The premier of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday he would call an early election, citing the need for a strong mandate to fight against tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump said in an Oval Office signing ceremony on Monday that his administration will impose a 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico that may come as soon as February 1 – a move that could raise prices for American consumers.

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)