In a strong reaction to escalating trade tensions, Canada retaliated against the United States on Wednesday with counter-tariffs aimed at U.S. goods. This action comes in response to President Donald Trump's recent imposition of a hefty 25 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, heightening the stakes in a rapidly intensifying trade war.

Prominent Canadian economist David Rosenberg, founder and president of Rosenberg Research, believes Canada’s current response is not nearly adequate to protect its economy.

Speaking on BNN Bloomberg, Rosenberg expressed his disappointment with the government's approach, advocating for a much more aggressive strategy. He proposed that Canada should consider imposing selective export bans and tariffs specifically targeting critical goods that the U.S. relies on, rather than simply slapping on tariffs as a form of retaliation.

He likened the situation to a schoolyard bully, emphasizing that a strong response is needed: “When the bully in the schoolyard punches you in the eye, you don’t punch back, you burn down their house.”

Rosenberg highlighted an earlier initiative by Ontario Premier Doug Ford regarding a proposed electricity export tax but noted that this plan was abandoned following talks with the White House.

He raised concerns about the reliability of negotiating with the current U.S. administration, stating, “You can’t believe a word the White House is saying… I don’t believe we should be negotiating with the White House.”

Imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, according to Rosenberg, could further burden Canadian consumers already facing pressure in the job market. “The last thing consumers need is a squeeze on their incomes from tariff action,