Canada Hits Back with 25% Tariffs on U.S. Goods

Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, known as the Aga Khan and spiritual leader of the world's 15 million Ismaili Muslims, has died at the age of 88. The Aga Khan Development Network and representatives of the Ismaili community confirmed his passing on February 4, 2025, stating he died peacefully in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by family. His historical significance spans decades, having served as the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis since 1957. The Aga Khan was noted for his efforts in promoting development and improving the quality of life for marginalized communities globally. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, highlighting the Aga Khan’s impact on community development in Canada and abroad. The Ismaili community has been preparing a series of memorial activities to honor his legacy, which will include tributes to his lifelong dedication to humanitarian efforts. Further details are expected to emerge as the community reflects on his contributions and leadership.

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, Canada announced on February 2, 2025, that it will impose a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US imports in response to President Donald Trump's recently signed order imposing stringent tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. The Canadian government views these tariffs as a necessary move to protect its economic interests, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump's order includes a 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, citing “the major threat of illegal aliens and deadly drugs” including fentanyl. The tariffs are set to take effect on February 6, prompting concerns about a potential economic standoff that could destabilize relations with key trading partners. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has instructed her economy minister to implement retaliatory measures to safeguard Mexico’s interests. She criticized the US government's narrative regarding drug trafficking, emphasizing that the US should focus on combating drug sales on its own streets. The decision could exacerbate inflationary pressures in the US, potentially affecting millions of American households, as suggested by economic analyses from institutions like the Budget Lab at Yale.

Over 150 years after the initiation of land rights conflicts, Canada's First Nations continue to fight for their ancestral territories. Ron Lameman, president of the International Indian Treaty Council, claims that the Canadian government's actions threaten their rights, echoing concerns established in historical treaties with the British Crown. During a recent interview in Zurich, Lameman emphasized the degradation of their lands, crucial for traditional practices such as hunting and fishing. Sharon Venne, a Cree Nation lawyer, supports Lameman's view, asserting that land defines Indigenous identity and is foundational for their laws and governance. The recognition of "Aboriginal Title," upheld by the Canadian Supreme Court in multiple cases since the 1970s, has failed to translate into effective government action, prompting ongoing protests against neglectful policies. The Canadian government has been accused of attempting to undermine Indigenous rights through financial contracts, which Lameman and others reject as inadequate solutions to persistent poverty. Instead, they advocate for the development of Indigenous economies through rightful land exploitation, aiming to sustain future generations.