Trudeau and Trump spar ahead of G7: Tensions on trade and fentanyl

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump spoke on Saturday about the war in Ukraine. According to the Canadian government’s press office, this conversation occurred before the virtual meeting of the G7 countries scheduled for Monday.

On Thursday, "The Financial Times" reported that the United States opposes a G7 declaration marking the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine that labels Russia as the aggressor. The G7 comprises Canada, France, Japan, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the USA, and the European Union.

Another important topic in the conversation between Trudeau and Trump was the issue of fentanyl. Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted efforts at the Canadian-American border and progress in addressing this issue. He mentioned appointing a special fentanyl officer and adding drug cartels to the list of terrorist organizations. He also noted that the amount of fentanyl seized at the border has decreased.

The relations between Canada and the USA are tense due to Trump's plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada. In addition, the U.S. President often refers to Canada as the "51st state" and expresses a desire to incorporate it into the United States. Trudeau firmly rejects such notions, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty.

Following Canada's victory over the USA in a hockey game, Trudeau tweeted, "You will not take our country from us—and you will not take our game."

Twenty-five percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are set to take effect on March 4, having been postponed by a month. Accusations of insufficient border control and an influx of illegal immigration and fentanyl drive these measures. The next round of tariffs will target steel and aluminum, followed by a package aimed at reducing the trade deficit with key economic partners, as dictated by Trump’s decree.