This article explores five key policies announced by U.S. President Donald Trump that could have significant implications for Canadians, ranging from potential impacts on the digital services tax and refugee resettlement to energy policy changes and wavering multilateralism.
While the threat of U.S. President Donald Trump 's tariffs on Canada is a significant concern, several other directives he announced after his inauguration on Monday could have profound implications for Canadians. Here are five key Trump policies that could affect Canadians: **Pressure to Scrap Facebook Tax:** Canada implemented a digital services tax in June that applies to revenue generated from online services, including advertising on social media platforms.
Big Tech companies argue that this tax undermines their business operations, while proponents of U.S. trade contend that it creates friction between the two countries. The legislation enabling this tax came after years of Canada's participation in an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) initiative to establish a global tax on multinational corporations. Some lobbyists have urged Canada to postpone its own tax and await the OECD's development of a global standard. Trump has issued an order targeting the OECD's proposed global tax, initiating investigations into any country with tax rules that 'disproportionately affect American companies.' Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in e-commerce, suggests that Canada's digital services tax becomes an 'obvious target' under this new directive. **Refugee Resettlement:** In addition to measures to strengthen border security, Trump is suspending refugee resettlement to the United States indefinitely. This action could place greater pressure on Canada to accept a larger number of individuals seeking safety, particularly at a time when Ottawa aims to limit resettlement due to housing shortages. Refugee advocates express concern that this policy could jeopardize ongoing efforts to resettle Afghan refugees in the U.S. **Energy Policy:** Trump's withdrawal from the 2012 Paris Agreement on climate change, a major international treaty aimed at mitigating catastrophic global warming, along with the 1992 United Nations framework on climate change, raises uncertainties about the future of global climate action. Trump has also signed an order promoting extensive energy exploration, including on the Outer Continental Shelf, and another calling for liquefied natural gas extraction in Alaskan regions previously restricted by the Biden administration. These actions could impact the global energy market just as Canada prepares to increase its liquefied natural gas exports. Trump's directives have also terminated certain U.S. programs designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These programs significantly influenced Ottawa's spending on industrial facilities aimed at securing Canadian jobs in the electric vehicle sector. Ross McKitrick, an economics professor at the University of Guelph, notes on X that Canada has invested billions of dollars 'to build unwanted products for a market that just vanished.' Trump's consideration of ending tax credits that reduce the cost of electric vehicles in the U.S. could significantly impact Canada's investments in electric vehicle battery plants. Canada has implemented production subsidies for plants including Volkswagen and Stellantis to match U.S. tax credits, but these contracts stipulate that the subsidies are contingent on the continuation of these U.S. tax incentives. Furthermore, Washington's pursuit of becoming the world's 'leading producer and processor of non-fuel minerals, including rare earth minerals,' could potentially lead to competition with Canada. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne expressed a preference to view this as an opportunity for collaboration, emphasizing that Canada has already taken steps to address U.S. concerns regarding China's dominance in critical minerals supply chains. He stated, 'We have a lot of good things to put on the table.' **Wavering Multilateralism:** Trump's temporary freeze on foreign aid could increase the burden on countries like Canada to provide support in a world facing numerous conflicts and a record number of displaced people. His decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) raises concerns about global responses to diseases such as avian flu, which could spread through migratory birds across continents. Additionally, Trump's reversal of sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank and his order to review all State Department operations 'in line with an America First foreign policy,' which prioritizes American interests above all else, signal a departure from established international norms. **Security Clearances:** Trump signed a memorandum allowing his White House counsel to grant interim six-month security clearances, including access to sensitive government information, to certain aides whose federal background checks are pending. Trump delayed signing an agreement with the outgoing Biden administration last year that would have facilitated the FBI's processing of these clearances more efficiently. Trump's order mandates immediate access to federal property, technology, and information for these aides. It's important to note that this order applies to aides, not cabinet appointees.
CANADA UNITED STATES DONALD TRUMP TARIFFS DIGITAL SERVICES TAX REFUGEES ENERGY POLICY CLIMATE CHANGE MULTILATERALISM SECURITY CLEARANCES
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Radon Threat: One in Five Canadians Exposed to Dangerous GasA potentially deadly gas is quietly accumulating in homes across Canada, posing a significant health risk. Radon, an odorless and colorless gas, originates from the ground and can seep into homes through cracks and sump pumps.
Read more »
One in five Canadians plan to take on more debt this year: surveyA new survey reveals about one in five Canadians plan to take on more debt this year as they struggle to pay their bills.
Read more »
Canada to host five IIHF women's hockey tournaments in five yearsOTTAWA — Canada will host five major international women's hockey tournaments between 2026 and 2030, Hockey Canada and the International Ice Hockey Federation announced Friday.
Read more »
Trump Claims Trudeau Resigned Due to Trade Deficits, Says Canadians Want 51st StatePresident-elect Donald Trump attributes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation to the pressure of trade imbalances and suggests Canadians desire to become the 51st state of the US.
Read more »
Canadians React to Trump's '51st State' RemarkThe Canadian Press surveyed Canadians from coast to coast about their thoughts on Donald Trump's suggestion to make Canada the 51st state of the United States. Many expressed concern and frustration over the remark, while others dismissed it as empty posturing.
Read more »
Canadians React to Trump's '51st State' IdeaThe Canadian Press surveyed Canadians from Halifax to Vancouver about Donald Trump's suggestion to make Canada the 51st state using 'economic force'. Canadians expressed a range of emotions, from amusement to concern, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and emphasizing Canada's sovereignty.
Read more »