Cabinet set to focus on Canada-U.S. trade relations on third and final day of retreat
CTV
Canada-U.S. relations took centre stage at the federal cabinet retreat in Halifax Tuesday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team wrap up the third and final day of their annual end-of-summer meetings.
Canada-U.S. relations took centre stage at the federal cabinet retreat in Halifax Tuesday as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his team wrap up the third and final day of their annual end-of-summer meetings.
Eight months ago Trudeau launched a renewed Team Canada approach, restoring the game plan initiated under the first Donald Trump presidency. That included a full-court press on Canadian interests with those who had influence around Trump, including Republicans in Congress, state governments and business leaders.
The tumultuous four years of Trump's time in the White House was difficult for Canada, as he forced a renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement and imposed punishing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Canada and the U.S. later reached an agreement to end the tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Canada is looking to shore up its interests ahead of him possibly winning again in November, but even if vice-president Kamala Harris prevails, irritants and U.S. protectionism remain in play.
Treasury Board President Anita Anand, discussing efforts to work with the U.S. to address barriers at the border Tuesday, said Canada must be prepared for any scenario.
"We are undertaking this work because we know that it's important to maintain a very strong trading relationship with the United States regardless of who is in the White House," she said.
