Jagmeet Singh, leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP), called on the Justin Trudeau-led Liberal government to take a strong stand against US President-elect Donald Trump’s intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico.

Singh’s comments came just hours after Trump’s announcement on social media, in which he vowed to introduce sweeping tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. In a post on X, Singh emphasised the need for action, saying, “Stand up and fight like hell. Canadian jobs are on the line.”

The tariff threat from Trump is part of his broader strategy to tackle the illegal drug trade and immigration. In a series of posts on his Truth Social account, Trump outlined plans to impose tariffs on products entering the US from Canada, Mexico, and China. He explained that the tariffs would remain in place until the two countries took stronger action to curb illegal migration and drug trafficking.

“On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25 percent tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders,” Trump wrote.

Trump also warned China, stating he would apply a 10 percent tariff on all Chinese products entering the US, “above any additional tariffs,” in response to its failure to address the smuggling of fentanyl.

Tariffs have been a cornerstone of Trump’s economic policies. During his election campaign, he pledged to introduce sweeping duties on both allies and adversaries alike, arguing they were necessary to protect US jobs and industries.