Listen to this article
Estimated 4 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Recent news out of Washington around U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of additional tariffs threw off Canada’s premiers’ plans to raise several issues with Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to Yukon Premier Currie Dixon.
A July 20 proclamation from the White House threatens to add more import duties — 50 per cent on a range of certain products — to offset what it calls “discrimination” against U.S. alcoholic beverages.
“That largely pushed aside some of the material we wanted to discuss and the prime minister took the opportunity to provide us all an update on the negotiations and what their plans are from the perspective of the federal government,” Dixon said by phone from Charlottetown, P.E.I.
“We did cover a lot of ground, but the issue of Canada-U.S. trade relations certainly took centre stage.”
For example, Dixon said he had hoped to discuss energy needs and the national electricity strategy in more depth.
Dixon joined provincial and territorial leaders last week on the East Coast for the Council of the Federation meetings, as well as meetings between premiers and the prime minister.
A joint statement issued by the first ministers on July 23 says premiers continued talks from earlier that week about the latest United States trade actions.
Dixon noted a number of provinces signed onto a new direct-to-consumer deal that would allow people to buy alcohol directly from producers in different parts of the country.
“The Yukon sort of noticeably didn’t sign,” Dixon said. “But I would say that we’re very much committed to that initiative and we look forward to passing legislation in the near future to bring us on to that system, as well.”
The other territories have abstained from the agreement.
Some different approaches are beingtaken in different jurisdictions, such as around U.S. alcohol on Canadian store shelves. Despite those differences, Dixon said premiers from “corner to corner” expressed a consensus around their confidence in Carney’s ability and the team he has put together to lead Canada’s negotiations.
Taking control
Dixon said an important response to the American administration’s tariff threats that Carney emphasized involves Canada controlling “what we can control.”
“Back home in the Yukon, I think we need to be growing our economy, developing our natural resources, and ensuring that we have healthy, strong communities to be more resilient in the face of these economic attacks,” Dixon said.
Dixon said the Yukon “isn’t greatly affected” by Trump’s tariffs given relatively limited exports to the Lower 48.
“We’re not worried so much about the tariffs themselves, but the impact that those tariffs have,” he said.
“It really casts a pall on the investment climate in Canada and the overall economic picture. And quite frankly, it just makes things more expensive for everyone. It makes things more expensive for Canadians. It also makes things more expensive for Americans.”
Changing tides
Wayne Long, secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency and financial institutions, said the “fracture to the south with the United States” means trade with Canada’s neighbour will change.
Long travelled to Whitehorse this week seeking feedback from Yukoners on the next federal budget. Priorities he said he’s heard include being prepared for emergencies and investing in major capital projects.
Long said it’s “all hands on deck” when it comes to addressing energy.
“We need all types of energy,” he said. “Obviously, you know, we’re going to make sure that we invest in energy infrastructure right here in Whitehorse.”
