Blake Ellis/The Independent

The recent trade proposal from the United States was “either fair nor economically sound, ” says Secretary of State for the Canadian Revenue Agency Wayne Long.

He was describing the recent round of trade talks that fell through six days ago and led to 50 percent US tariffs being imposed on Canada.

The secretary of state was in Sarnia Thursday accompanied by Sarnia-Lambton Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu, at a dairy operation owned by Kevin and Melissa Forbes, a farm that has approximately 200
head herd with 1,100 acres.

Canada’s dairy quota system has long been a thorn in US President Trump’s side since it limits dairy imports from the US.

Long says the Canadian government has negotiated in good faith. Echoing Prime Minister Mark Carney, Long added;

“They asked too much of Canada and offered too little in return.”

On Sept. 8, the Canadian government will impose counter tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on targeted imports from the United States, said Long. These measures will match the rates imposed on Canadian goods dollar for dollar and will amount to $27.6 billion in imports from the United States.

The tariffs focus on steel, dairy, appliances, agriculture equipment, pulp and paper and electronics.

“These are not measures we take lightly,” said Long, saying the government’s goals has always been to resolve these disputes through dialogue and cooperation.

Long also announced a new package of support measures valued at $7.5 billion. This will include $3.5 billion of rapid response support for workers and employers, $2 billion in investment through Canada Strong Diversification Fund, additional support from Canada’s regional development agencies and new support from the Business Development Bank of Canada.

“Our goal is straight forward, to ensure that businesses of all sizes have access to the support they need to remain competitive, safeguard employment and continue contributing to Canada’s growing economy,” said Long.

During the first round of tariffs, which were imposed in 2025, the federal government provided support to approximately 1,000 businesses the country and helped protect 36,000 jobs.

“As Prime Minister Carney stated over a year ago, we are on a path to build our country strong and that includes energy, infrastructure, housing and diversifying our trading partners. That has always been our plan and that work continues full steam ahead, full stop, said Long. “We can’t control every decision made outside our borders sadly but we can control how we respond.”

The support will last as long as it is necessary as the federal government is determined to see this through, said the secretary of state.

Gladu said people in her riding understand how important trade is to the local economy. “It is important we hear directly from producers about the opportunities and challenges they’re facing,” she said.