It is a critical moment as Canada faces potential tariffs from the United States, according to the prime minister.

Justin Trudeau said they are ready to respond no matter what U.S. President Donald Trump decides to do.

Trudeau promised a “purposeful, forceful but reasonable immediate response” to any tariffs.

“It’s not what we want, but if he moves forward, we will also act,” he told reporters on Friday morning.

The prime minister made the comments ahead of a meeting of the Canada-U.S. Relations Council.

It also comes one day before the U.S. president is expected to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian imports.

Trump told reporters on Thursday that his plan was to still trigger the tariffs on Saturday, Feb. 1.

That is despite Canada’s efforts to crack down on illegal drugs and migrants crossing the border — the issue that led Trump to threaten tariffs in the first place.

“I won’t sugarcoat it — our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks,” said Trudeau.

“I know Canadians might be anxious and worried, but I want them to know the federal government, and indeed all orders of government, have their backs.”

During a virtual meeting on Wednesday, federal officials presented premiers with an overview of some of the support options they are considering for businesses and workers.

That includes potentially removing the employment insurance waiting period so laid-off workers can get money more quickly.

The federal government is also looking at offering easier access to credit and liquidity, similar to what they did during the pandemic.

They also discussed how labour market development agreements between the federal government and the provinces could be modified.

It is estimated the proposed tariffs could cost tens of thousands of jobs nationwide.