The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Paul Haversrud of CBC's Cost of Living podcast expressed significant concern over potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian autos, describing them as an 'existential threat' that could decimate the industry. This move, if enacted, would jeopardize the long-standing auto pact established in 1965, which has benefited both Canadian and U.S. automakers and workers.
“Well, the most unnerved is what's happening with autos.”
“Because really, when you look at what we call Kuzma, what you call the USMCA, used to be NAFTA, our free trade deal. Really at the heart, it's an auto pact.”
“Adrian, those tariffs for Canada, they would be bad. Like, 50% tariff on Canadian autos is like an existential threat to our auto industry here.”