Harper Urges Canada to Reduce Reliance on U.S., Considers Reciprocal Tariffs
OTTAWA – Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has issued a stark warning about Canada’s economic vulnerability, calling for an urgent reduction in the country’s dependence on the United States. Speaking at a gala in Ottawa on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Harper argued that Canada must adapt to a new geopolitical reality marked by an increasingly “hostile” U.S. And an “erratic” president – identified as Donald Trump – to protect its sovereignty and economic stability.
Harper, who largely remained silent on U.S. Affairs until recently, described the situation as an “existential threat” and urged Canadians to move beyond “shock, bewilderment and anger” to focus on policy solutions. He cautioned against assuming a return to previous trade norms, stating, “I do not believe that is a safe assumption.”
The former prime minister suggested Canada should seriously consider implementing tariffs on U.S. Goods, particularly as the country prepares to review the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He warned that a one-sided tariff arrangement could be devastating to Canada’s manufacturing sector, especially given Prime Minister Mark Carney’s previous decision to drop many reciprocal tariffs on U.S. Goods last summer.
Harper also emphasized the need to avoid becoming a “captive resource colony” for the U.S., stressing the importance of diversifying export markets for Canada’s natural resources. He specifically called for the swift approval and construction of an oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast and a streamlining of regulatory processes to facilitate other major projects.
“Not someday, but right now,” Harper stated, adding, “Friends, we need this.” He believes bolstering the natural resources sector will address two key challenges: reducing overreliance on the U.S. Market and alleviating western alienation, which has fueled separatist sentiment in Alberta.
While acknowledging the U.S. Will remain Canada’s “principal partner” due to geographical proximity and longstanding trade ties, Harper stressed the need for a “balanced and sober reflection” on the relationship. He pointed to historical precedents, referencing the year 1866 when the U.S. Government considered annexing Canada and terminated a free trade agreement, as a reminder that Canada has successfully navigated aggressive American policies before.
Harper’s remarks came during a gala commemorating the 20th anniversary of his government’s formation. He also noted that previous Liberal governments had reversed many of the policies he enacted, leaving Canada “so much weaker and divided.”
The call for a reassessment of the Canada-U.S. Relationship contrasts with the approach of current Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who did not mention President Trump by name during recent party remarks.
Alongside Harper’s warnings, Prime Minister Carney has taken steps to expedite major projects in the natural resources and energy sectors through the newly established Major Projects Office. A memorandum of understanding with Alberta also includes support for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific, aimed at expanding Canadian oil exports to Asian markets and beyond.
In a related event on February 2, 2026, Harper and former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien jointly stressed the importance of national unity amid ongoing trade tensions and threats to Canadian sovereignty.
