Canada’s leaders are scrambling in response to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, but I can’t help feeling we’re overreacting. Trump is known for throwing bold ideas into the mix to see how they land. It’s not gospel—it’s negotiation. Yet, here in Canada, we’re acting like disaster has already struck.

This feels like more than just caution. Could our leaders be using Trump as a scapegoat to distract from their own issues? It’s easier to blame Trump for economic uncertainty than to confront problems at home. The truth is, nothing he’s suggested has actually happened yet.

I admire Trump’s willingness to stir the pot. He’s bold and unafraid to get his hands dirty—qualities we could use more of here. Instead of panicking, we need to focus on measured, strategic responses.

Canada’s biggest threat isn’t Trump. It’s overreacting, turning on each other, or ignoring our own weaknesses. Let’s keep our cool, work together, and stay two steps ahead. GW