The premier of Ontario on Wednesday said he had spoken to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and fully backed "the federal government preparing retaliatory tariffs" after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on autos not made in the United States.

While Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to announce any retaliatory measures, the newly sworn-in Canadian leader promised to hold firm in the face of Trump's desire for a trade war. "This is a very direct attack," Carney said, per the Associated Press. "We will defend our workers. We will defend our companies. We will defend our country."

Carney, who is currently in the midst of an election campaign, said he needs to examine the specifics of Trump’s executive order before announcing countermeasures.