With All Respect, Prime Minister

Sixty-five days ago, Canadians entrusted you to lead us through what may be the most consequential moment in our history—navigating our crisis with the United States while preserving our sovereignty as the True North, Strong and Free. And yet, on Sunday, June 29, that trust was shaken.

On June 27, President Donald Trump abruptly cancelled trade negotiations with Canada in response to our Digital Services Tax (DST), also citing long-standing grievances with our dairy supply system and accusing us of being hostile trading partners. That same weekend, your government capitulated—sending Finance Minister Champagne to announce the withdrawal of the DST. It’s unclear how this could even be done, given it was legislated by Parliament.

Regardless of the DST’s policy value, the capitulation itself was the fundamental misstep. Anyone with negotiation experience knows: never yield to an ultimatum. It cedes control and encourages further demands. By withdrawing the DST under pressure, the Government weakened its hand and emboldened the White House to dictate terms. And you had another play that you didn’t use. Stand your ground and say, “No.” You forgot, or chose not, to play the “TACO” card. As The Americans have already sized him up, “Trump Always Chickens Out,” TACO.

You’ve fallen into a trap many leaders face—overreaching and not trusting your advisors. Reports suggest you were warned about the DST’s potential blowback. You ignored that advice. Then, when crisis struck, you stepped in personally and gave Trump what he wanted. Predictably, the White House celebrated the concession as a Canadian cave-in.

In terms you know only too well, you’ve given the other team an empty net to score.

This raises serious questions. Why the rush to finalize a trade deal by July 21? Canadians don’t want a fast deal; they want a good one? They want to see you fight for it. So far, they haven’t.

You campaigned on strength—those Mike Myers ads opposing tariffs and promising “elbows up” negotiation. But since then, the tone has shifted. In March, you said Canada was “limited in its response” to U.S. tariffs—a dangerous signal of retreat. That’s not leadership. That’s resignation.

Imagine if Churchill had said “Britain is limited in its response.” Or JFK, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Or the defenders of Leningrad. History remembers those who stood their ground—not those who surrendered before the fight began.

At Vimy, Passchendaele, Ypres, Juno Beach, Korea, Afghanistan, and at many other places, Canadians have never backed down from a challenge. This is one of those moments. You must honour that legacy. You must lead with resolve.

True leadership doesn’t begin with surrender. It demands creativity, courage, and clarity. You’re right—tariffs alone won’t suffice. But pre-emptive defeat isn’t an option.

I urge you to adopt a broader strategy. At the end of this newsletter, you’ll find a range of non-tariff measures that could be implemented. They are not acts of aggression—they are acts of national dignity and self-respect.

You face a complex threat. As sure as there are little green apples, Trump will return to the supply management issue. A capitulation there could cost you your government. The stakes are existential—for your leadership and for Canada.

We are not dealing with a traditional ally. President Trump has undermined democratic norms, attacked alliances, and governed with instability. He is transactional, authoritarian, and untrustworthy. We must respond accordingly.

A prolonged standoff may be the best option. If you do reach a deal, it must be subject to parliamentary approval. Canadians deserve transparency. They deserve to know we didn’t bow—we negotiated.

Non-Tariff Strategies to Consider:

· Airspace Fees: Impose surcharges on U.S. overflights through Canadian airspace, generating approximately $200M annually.

· Tolls on the Alaska Highway: Introduce tolls northbound at Beaver Creek, Yukon, and southbound just after the CBSA entry point.

· Short-Cut Tolling: Apply photo-toll charges on U.S. drivers using Canadian roads to bypass U.S. routes (such as Fort Erie to Windsor), if their stay in Canada is under six hours.

· E-Commerce Processing Fees: Millions of cross-border packages arrive daily, yet the current duty exemption threshold is exploited. A flat $10 processing fee per package would simplify revenue collection, prevent undervaluation tactics, and generate an estimated $2.5 billion annually to support Canadian retail and government services.

· Import Substitution: Heavily tax or ban U.S. imports where alternatives exist. Incentivize Canadian consumers to buy elsewhere.

· Auto Industry Retaliation: Warn U.S. carmakers of permanent Canadian market bans if they relocate operations under pressure.

· Elon Musk Sanctions: Ban Musk-linked ventures (Tesla, Starlink) from Canadian operations. Deny Musk entry.

· Potash & Energy Leverage: Impose a 25% surtax on potash and electricity exports to the U.S., underscoring dependence.

· Real Estate Surtax: Double municipal property taxes on U.S.-owned Canadian properties.

· Restrictions on US Travel: Implement a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system for US citizens, increasing entry requirements while reinforcing border security.

· Restricted Border Hours: Limit U.S. land border crossings to 12 hours daily to disrupt trade and increase inspections.

· Corporate Profit Surtax: Impose 100% tax on repatriated profits by U.S. firms operating in Canada (e.g., Walmart, Costco).

These are examples—not out of hostility, but principle. Canada must stand tall, not just for economic interests, but for democratic values and national identity.

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