OTTAWA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday that "nothing is off the table" in response to possible U.S. tariffs after meeting with the provincial and territorial premiers.
Trudeau met with the premiers in Ottawa to discuss the threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on all Canadian goods into the United States unless Canada tightens border security.
A joint statement between Ottawa and the premiers was issued on Wednesday to demonstrate the collaborative efforts to prevent U.S. tariffs.
Trudeau said the excellent conversation saw the agreement that no one region of Canada should "disproportionately bear the burden" in response to the tariffs.
However, oil-producing province Alberta didn't sign the joint statement.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that if the federal government imposed an export ban on Alberta oil going to the United States as a retaliatory measure, it would prompt a "national unity crisis."
The premiers are committed to continuing to work together on a full range of measures to ensure a robust response to possible U.S. tariffs, including supports for sectors, businesses, and individuals, the statement said.
According to the statement, if the federal government implements retaliatory measures, it will ensure the rapid availability of substantial resources that effectively mitigate economic impacts to workers and businesses. This includes the distribution of revenues from potential retaliatory tariffs as quickly as possible.
They agreed to take a collaborative approach to U.S. engagement that recognizes the unique economic needs of all provinces and territories, added the statement.
The premiers are expected to meet weekly following Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20.
Trudeau announced Tuesday that he would hold a Cabinet retreat on Trump's inauguration day to focus on defending Canadian interests. ■