U.S. House debates resolution to roll back Trump’s fentanyl-related tariffs on Canada

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives debated legislation aimed at ending tariffs imposed on Canadian goods under a fentanyl-related border emergency declared by President Donald Trump last year.

Democratic Representative Gregory Meeks, who introduced the resolution, told lawmakers that Canada should not be treated as a security threat. He described Canada as a long-standing ally and argued that U.S. government data shows only a small fraction of fentanyl seizures occur along the northern border compared with the U.S.–Mexico boundary.

President Trump declared a national emergency tied to fentanyl trafficking in 2025 and subsequently imposed 35 per cent tariffs on certain Canadian imports. The duties do not apply to goods that comply with the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement. Critics have said the measures risk straining trade ties between the two countries, which share one of the largest bilateral trading relationships in the world.

Republican Representative Brian Mast of Florida defended the administration’s approach, arguing that Canada has not done enough to curb the flow of illicit drugs. The House is expected to vote on the resolution after three Republican members joined Democrats earlier this week to block a procedural rule that would have prevented debate on the tariff policy.

The outcome of the vote could have implications for cross-border industries, including energy, agriculture and manufacturing sectors in provinces such as Alberta and British Columbia, which rely heavily on access to U.S. markets.