The February date comes after Trump officials, speaking anonymously, suggested to reporters that the Republican president would only sign a memorandum telling federal agencies to study trade issues, including alleged unfair trade and currency practices by Canada, Mexico and China.

Canadians will be anxiously watching inauguration day ceremonies to see what is among Trump's early priorities amid threats to slap Canada with a 25 per cent across-the-board tariff on Monday.

Wilkinson spent several days in Washington, D.C. this week meeting with Congressional Republicans as Canada tries to limit the damage from Trump's promise to sign an executive order Monday to hit its North American neighbours with 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on all exports to the United States.

Wilkinson told American lawmakers Wednesday that the best way for the U.S. to protect its economic dominance and national security from China is to work with Canada.

President-elect Trump responded to Trudeau's announcement saying the prime minister is resigning because he knows the U.S. will not put up with trade deficits with Canada. Trump also said many Canadians would love to be the 51st state.

Roberts said Canada will need to grapple with the fact its closest neighbour and largest trading partner will be "unstable and unpredictable for years." Gambling Canada's future on the notion of a shared special relationship is just "a recipe for disaster," he added.

Trump said the tariff will remain in place until both countries stop drugs, in particular fentanyl, and people from illegally crossing the borders. He said until those issues are solved Canada and Mexico will "pay a very big price!"

The president-elect posted to Truth Social on Monday he will sign an executive order imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all products coming in to the United States from Canada and Mexico. He said the tariff will remain in place until both countries stop drugs, in particular fentanyl, and people from illegally crossing the borders.

More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the U.S. and trade comprises 60 per cent of Canada's gross domestic product. A significant proportion of that comes from oil and gas.

Millions of Americans are heading to the polls on Tuesday as a chaotic presidential campaign reaches its peak in a deeply divided United States, where voters in only a handful of battleground states will choose the country’s path forward.