Canada is bracing itself for the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressing concerns over the potential “uncertainty” that may come with it. During a Cabinet retreat in Montreal, Trudeau acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the former U.S. president, stating, “We don’t know exactly what he is going to do.”
Trump is currently eyeing a victory in the Republican primary in New Hampshire and aims to secure the GOP nomination for the 2024 presidential election. His commanding win in Iowa has bolstered his pursuit of returning to the White House.
Trudeau’s government discussed the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the potential challenges posed by Trump’s return. The prime minister highlighted the successful navigation of Trump’s presidency in the past, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that Canada and the U.S. can foster economic growth together.
“We made it through the challenges represented by the Trump administration seven years ago, for four years, where we put forward the fact that Canada and the U.S. do best when we do it together,” Trudeau stated during the Cabinet retreat in Montreal.
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, along with a panel of experts, briefed the Cabinet on the potential scenarios and developed a strategy to address the situation. Trudeau announced that his industry and trade ministers would lead a “Team Canada approach” in collaboration with the business community. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association in Canada, participated in the discussions.
During Trump’s previous tenure, he had criticized Trudeau as “weak” and “dishonest” while targeting Canada’s crucial trade, including imposing tariffs on cars and steel. Trudeau recalled the challenges faced, including attacks on farmers and steelworkers, as well as the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Despite the difficulties, Trudeau emphasized the importance of standing strong and renegotiating trade agreements for the benefit of both nations.
Canada, being highly dependent on trade, faced existential threats when Donald Trump sought to dismantle NAFTA and impose tariffs on the auto sector. Trudeau underscored the significance of preserving a free trade deal, considering that over 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S. Eventually, a new trade agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), was reached between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Trudeau highlighted the integrated economies and partnerships between the U.S. and Canada, emphasizing that demonstrating the mutual benefits of collaboration is key. He stated, “What works with all American presidents is to demonstrate what is good for Canada is also good for the United States and vice versa.”
The strong economic ties between Canada and the U.S. are evident in the substantial trade volume between the two nations. In 2022, the total trade between Canada and the U.S. was estimated to be 1.2 trillion Canadian dollars. The interconnected relationship extends beyond trade to various sectors, including technology, energy, and security.
As Donald Trump eyes a potential return to the White House, Canada is gearing up to navigate the challenges and uncertainties that may arise. Trudeau’s government aims to continue fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the U.S., irrespective of the political landscape, emphasizing the resilience of the bond between the two neighboring nations. The strategy involves collaborative efforts, engagement with key stakeholders, and a focus on the shared interests that have historically defined the Canada-U.S. relationship.