Cross-party support grows for using Canadian exports as leverage in the trade war

OTTAWA – A day after the federal government unveiled its new retaliatory measures against the US amid the trade war, NDP Leader Avi Lewis is calling on the Liberals to tax energy and critical mineral exports to the US.

There has been growing momentum across the political spectrum behind the idea of using Canadian exports as leverage in the dispute. In recent days, several politicians including Jean Chrétien, Jason Kenney, and David Eby have called on the Carney government to impose or consider imposing an export tax as an option for responding to US tariffs.

“When you’re in a war, you use your strongest weapons – and our power in this trade war comes from the resources the US needs, like oil, gas, potash, and other critical minerals,” says Avi Lewis. “We can’t leave our best trump card sitting on the table, and I’m glad to see that an export tax is finally part of the national conversation.”

Lewis first made the call for export taxes during his bid for NDP leadership. Now, as the trade war escalates, more and more voices are urging the government to keep the option on the table.

“We supported the Prime Minister’s decision to implement counter-tariffs, but we need to go further,” Lewis adds. “To win this trade war, we need to maximize our leverage – and then make sure that every dollar of revenue from these taxes goes to support workers who will bear the brunt of Trump’s tariffs.”

In addition to an export tax, the NDP is also calling for substantial support to help tariff-affected workers, major EI reform, and building a truly independent “Trump-proof” Canadian economy.

BACKGROUND
Quotes from other politicians who have called for putting export taxes on the table:

Jean Chrétien: “If we want to stay upright, we have to hit where it hurts. That’s where we should tax. The advantage of an export tax is it’s not us who pays, it’s the Americans.” (Source: CTV News)

Jason Kenney: “You don’t deal with an aggressive attack on your economy by starting with listing all the things you will not do in reprisal by limiting your options, by weakening your position. That makes no sense. Let it be known we’re prepared to defend ourselves.” (Source: Global News)

David Eby: “I think that this is something [a tax on thermal coal exports to the US] that the federal government should be looking at as well. We haven’t seen those measures yet, but I am encouraging the prime minister to look at non-tariff measures to respond as well to what the Americans are trying to do to Canadians.” (Source: CTV News)