Staff Reports
In an unexpected turn of events, Tobi Lutke, the co-founder of Canada’s major online retail powerhouse Shopify, has come out swinging in defense of President Donald Trump’s latest tariff initiatives. Lutke boldly asserted that Canada could actually benefit by adopting the approach of “helping America win.” Now, that’s a Canadian idea that might just stick—it’s about time someone crossed the diplomatic aisle to stand by their neighbor.
Trump, true to form, is doubling down on his tariff strategy, aiming his sights squarely on Canada and Mexico as part of his aggressive agenda on cross-border relations. With a hefty 25 percent tariff aimed at both these trading partners, alongside a lesser 10 percent for the infamous fentanyl suppliers from China, it’s clear that the gloves are off. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, these tariffs are aimed at rectifying an ongoing issue that has seen so many lives cut short due to illegal drugs flooding into America. Let’s face it, when it comes to securing the border and prioritizing American lives, Trump is taking the reins.
This whole situation is a classic case of “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours,” except instead of a massage, we’re talking about economic strategy. Lutke, in his newfound position of wisdom, suggested that the Canadian government ought to jump on board with Trump’s tariffs as a matter of not just necessity but as a means of mutual survival in the cutthroat world of international trade. After all, if Canada wants to thrive, it better be willing to lay down some serious groundwork to support its biggest trading partner.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, perhaps feeling the heat, is threatening to retaliate with his own tariffs on a jaw-dropping $155 billion worth of American imports. Trudeau’s tactics seem more like an act of desperation rather than a power play, with plans to impose tariffs on that massive pile of goods just two days away. This raises questions about whether the Canadian government truly puts its citizens first or is simply posturing in the face of potential economic fallout.
Cofounder of One of the Biggest Canadian Companies Defends Trump Demands: ‘Win by Helping America Win‘ https://t.co/x4FsqTvLdj via @BreitbartNews
— Michael J. Fell (@MichaelJFell) February 3, 2025
While Lutke’s sentiments might echo those of many Canadians who prefer to see a cooperative approach, Trudeau’s response suggests he’s in full protectionist mode. Trump’s retort? A mixture of confusion and dismay, especially regarding Canada’s rigid banking regulations. If Trudeau wishes to create a trade war over Trump’s “crazy demands,” he ought to consider the potential long-term effects on both nations’ economies. As the back and forth continues, it’s evident that the stakes are high, and in the world of tariffs, there’s no such thing as a bulletproof plan.
In the end, whether Lutke’s call for unity resonates widely in Canada or gets drowned out by Trudeau’s trumpeting of retaliatory measures remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure: the road ahead is likely to be bumpy for both neighbors as they negotiate through this messy economic game of chicken, all while the American public holds its breath, hoping for a stable outcome that places their safety and livelihoods first.
