Canadian foreign affairs minister Mélanie Joly in a virtual news conference on reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression. This statement came on the same day the United States, under President Donald Trump, opposed a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Minister Joly also addressed President Trump’s announcement of impending 25% import tariffs on Canadian goods, set to take effect next week. She emphasized Canada’s readiness to respond, stating, “We must fight back against these unjustified tariffs that threaten Canadian jobs and our economy.”
Who is Mélanie Joly?
Mélanie Joly, born in Montreal, Quebec, is a prominent Canadian politician and member of the Liberal Party. First elected to represent the Ahuntsic-Cartierville riding in the House of Commons in 2015, Joly has held several key positions within the federal government. Her roles have included minister of Canadian Heritage, minister of tourism, official languages and La Francophonie, and minister of economic development. In October 2021, she was appointed as Canada’s minister of foreign affairs.
Throughout her tenure, Joly has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s foreign policy, particularly concerning human rights and international cooperation. She engaged in diplomatic efforts to address global challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change. Notably, Joly has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine, condemning Russian military actions and supporting international sanctions against Russia.
In response to the recent US tariff threats, Joly has been at the forefront of Canada’s diplomatic and economic countermeasures. Collaborating closely with finance minister Dominic LeBlanc, she announced a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of US goods as a retaliatory measure. Joly emphasised the importance of standing firm against economic coercion, stating, “Canada will not hesitate to defend its national interests and the livelihoods of its citizens.”
