Trump tariffs hit as Canada tries to curb US reliance

US President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariffs on certain Canadian goods, which took effect yesterday, delivered another blow to bilateral trade, renewing focus on Ottawa’s efforts to reduce dependence on its southern neighbor.Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s strategy involves a search for new markets, a focus on domestic trade and the launch of major projects.The two economies are heavily inter-connected, with about 70 percent of all Canadian exports heading to the US. US President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House in Washington on Oct. 7 last year. Photo: Reuters Previous Trump levies on autos, steel, aluminum and lumber have hit Canada hard, forcing job losses and stunting growth.Canada has even entered a technical recessio