Energy Minister Says Canada Has ‘Many Important Cards’ in Trade Talk After Trump’s Latest 35 Percent Tariffs

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on June 20, 2025. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Canada’s critical mineral resources will play a key role in how Ottawa responds to escalating trade tensions with the United States, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson says.

​​Hodgson made the comments July 11, one day after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a blanket 35 percent tariff on Canadian imports. He made the comments during an event in Charlottetown announcing five new funding packages for Maritime energy projects totalling $26.57 million.