The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Aug. 26, edition that Ottawa is hitting back against the United States with hefty countertariffs on $27.6-billion worth of American products. The Globe's triple-bylined item led by Bill Curry reports that Ottawa says the new tariffs aim to support Canadian companies affected by U.S. tariffs and increase political pressure in the U.S. Ottawa is targeting nearly 900 items, with most of the levies set at 25 per cent or 50 per cent, while a small number are subject to a lower, 15-per-cent duty. The tariffs are scheduled to come into force on Sept. 8. Ottawa announced a $7.5-billion support package for Canadian workers and businesses impacted by recent American tariffs. Canada's key retaliation measure is raising tariffs on steel and aluminum, and related products, from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. After that, the biggest hit will be to machinery and mechanical appliances, paper and paperboard, electrical machinery and seafood. Ottawa is targeting various consumer items such as dishwashers, refrigerators, furniture, lighting, golf clubs, motorcycles, beauty products, video game consoles and smartphones, despite most Canadian smartphones not being U.S.-manufactured.