# Trump threatens Canada with new tariffs over cross-border smoke Wildfire pollution spreading to US cities escalates diplomatic tensions. - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/650bf31c-6596-4d8f-b9ba-2c1c297d3637 ## International impact of wildfires Uncontrolled wildfires in Canada have created dense smoke blankets across northern US states. Air quality reached 'hazardous' levels from Minnesota to New York, forcing cancellations of outdoor events. ## Trump's harsh rhetoric President Trump accused Canada of 'willful negligence' on Truth Social, threatening new tariffs. Republicans are using the crisis to revive debates about making Canada the 51st US state. ## Canada's response PM Carney emphasized climate change as a shared responsibility. The Emergency Minister highlighted bilateral cooperation, referencing a 1982 firefighting agreement between the nations. ## Economic tensions Trade disputes have strained relations for over a year. Previous Trump tariffs and threats to delay the Gordie Howe Bridge project continue to create diplomatic friction. ## Scientific perspective Experts link increased fires to Ontario's heatwave and reduced rainfall. Dr. James from UofT notes 'weather knows no borders,' underscoring the global nature of the issue. ## Investments and prevention Canadian MP Olszewski revealed $12B CAD investments in forest sustainability. US lawmakers claim forest management deficiencies haven't been adequately addressed. ## Cross-border solidarity Ontario Premier Ford announced firefighting support offers from Michigan and Massachusetts. Calling the US rhetoric 'unacceptable,' Ford stressed 'this is how neighbors behave.' ## Global climate crisis UWaterloo's Dr. Bonada emphasizes wildfires aren't Canada's sole responsibility. Climate change-induced dry conditions are intensifying fire seasons globally. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyq93j34lgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._