Statement from Premier Pillai on U.S. tariffs

Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

“Today, the Trump Administration decided to push forward with unjustified and short-sighted 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods. The Yukon is responding.

“The Government of Yukon has developed a path forward to support a strong Team Canada response to see these tariffs lifted and to limit the impact on Yukoners. 

“As part of our initial response, and effective today, our government will: 

• Reduce purchasing of products of American origin: Direct the Yukon Liquor Corporation to stop placing orders of U.S.-made alcohol and to remove U.S.-made products from all Government of Yukon liquor stores. Because we do not want to hurt local businesses, licensees may continue to sell American-made products they already have in stock, but no new orders for U.S.-made alcohol will be placed. 
• Limit U.S. business’ access to government procurement: Direct the Department of Highways and Public Works to update territorial government procurement policies to encourage the purchase of more goods and services from local businesses and non-U.S. companies and minimize the purchase of U.S. goods and services.
• Mitigate impacts on Yukon businesses: Our government is allocating $1 million to develop an assistance program, complementary to federal support programs, to help Yukon businesses adapt to the uncertain economic environment created by these tariffs. The goal of this funding is to keep support as flexible as possible, to be tailored to the specific needs of affected businesses. This program is funded through Budget 2025-26 and subject to legislative approval. Contingency funds in Budget 2025–26, also subject to legislative approval, will also be available to support Yukon businesses.
• Support "Buy Yukon" campaigns: Support the development of buy local campaigns organized by local chambers of commerce.
• Break down interprovincial and international trade barriers: Through the Department of Economic Development, work with Yukon chambers of commerce and provincial and territorial partners to reduce barriers to internal and international trade and promote access to non-U.S. markets.

“Our government is developing a second round of responses to these tariffs to hit back at the Trump administration, should they continue down this destructive path. I want to thank Yukoners who have reached out with their ideas. We are studying all of our options and will continue to update Yukoners in the days and weeks to come. I will also keep working with fellow Premiers, federal leaders and local governments to support local businesses, industries and Yukon workers and families.

“The United States is our most important trading partner and Canada’s closest friend and ally, but this is not how you treat your friends. To our friends and family in Alaska: our lives and economies are interconnected, and we hope you will continue to visit our territory and experience all that it has to offer. Please know these measures are not directed at you, but we must do what we can to stand up for our country, our sovereignty and our way of life.”