Quote:Our government understood, before many, that America would transform all of its commercial relationships, that it would put a series of tariffs on its closest allies and use economic integration as a weapon. We recognized that sometimes its signature was written in pencil.

Quote:We've consistently proposed long-term partnerships, while America has often pursued short-term transactions. The gap between partnership and competitor unfortunately has remained too wide in recent days.

So last evening I instructed our negotiators to return to Ottawa. We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked.

Quote:We were not prepared to compromise on our sovereignty, the protection of the French language, and our culture. To our American colleagues, let us be clear: for my government and for Canada, these issues were never on the table, even though the United States tried until the very last minute.

Quote:Let me be clear: we take this step reluctantly. Reluctantly, because we recognise that some of these measures will raise costs and reduce choice for Canadians. Reluctantly, because we recognize that some U.S. companies and some U.S. states are innocent bystanders in a dispute they did not want. Reluctantly, because this trade dispute is preventing Canada and America from doing so much good that we could do together.

At the same time, we take this step confident that it is in the best interests of Canada. And that by rejecting a bad deal, by standing up for Canada, by focusing on what we can control, we will build Canada strong for all.

Building at home and diversifying trade abroad is not our Plan B. It has been our Plan A from the start. Canada will continue to pursue this path to build Canada Strong, because it's right and it's working.

Quote:The new U.S. tariffs are designed to hurt us and divide us. They're a miscalculation. They're a miscalculation because Canadians will always take care of each other. We know we’re stronger together.

In the last year and a half Canadians have met this moment with resolve, with purpose, with strength.

Quote:Last spring, I warned that America is trying to break us so they can own us. And I promised that that will never, ever happen. We are keeping that promise. Canada is becoming stronger and less dependent on America. We are already giving ourselves more than they can take away. And we are just getting started.

As we observed earlier this week in St, John's, Canadians don’t submit to the weather; we thrive in it. We don’t wait to see which way the wind is blowing or surrender ourselves to the waves to be storm-tossed by events. We set our own course. We make our own weather.