Trump pledged in his inaugural address that tariffs would be coming in a speech in which he promised a golden era for America. He later said Canada and Mexico could be hit with the tariffs as soon as Feb. 1, though he signed an executive order requesting a report coordinated by the Secretary of Commerce by April. 1.

Trump retook the Oval Office on Monday afternoon and has long threatened to introduce a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports, unless both countries secure their borders against illegal migrants and drugs, on the first day of his administration.

The leader of Canada’s most populous province is pitching a “renewed strategic alliance” with the US on critical minerals, as President-elect Donald Trump threatens crippling tariffs on the northern nation.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joined by Minister of Finance Dominic LeBlanc, (back left to right), Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, Minister of Public Safety David McGuinty, as he holds a press conference during a cabinet retreat at Chateau Montebello in Montebello on Jan 21. (AP)

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's apparent decision to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said Monday he believes a trade war is coming — and that he needs a "clear mandate" from voters to wage it.