Just hours after Washington announced it is following through on its threat to impose tariffs of 25% on imported steel and 10% on imported aluminum, Canada’s responded.

(Patrick Doyle/Canadian Press)

U.S. President Donald Trump had granted exemptions on the tariffs to Canada, Mexico and the European Union, but they were set to expire June 1.

”These tariffs will harm industry and workers on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border, disrupting linked supply chains that have made North American steel and aluminum more competitive all around the world,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Canada’s announced duties of up to $16.6-billion on some steel, aluminum and other products from the U.S., including beer kegs, whisky and toilet paper.

”This is the strongest trade action Canada has taken in the post-war era.  This is a very strong response, it is appropriate response, it is perfectly reciprocal.  This is a very strong Canadian action in response to a very bad U.S. decision,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynne says she thinks we’ve all had just about enough of Donald Trump.

”This is a president who rules by tweet.  He doesn’t seem to get that his bluster and his bullying are costing people real jobs – in his own country, in Canada and in Ontario,” said Wynne,

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath agrees the tariffs are unacceptable and will have a devastating impact.

Tory Leader Doug Ford’s released a statement, that reads in part, the new harmful tariffs will make things even harder for Ontario’s already struggling steel industry and workers.

Ottawa’s looking for public comments until June 15.

The Canadian response would take effect July 1.