Canadian officials eyed 'new opportunities' no matter who won U.S. election: memos
CTV
As the U.S. presidential election loomed, Canadian officials envisioned new opportunities for co-operation with their southern neighbour on nuclear energy, supply chain security and carbon capture technologies — no matter who won the contest, newly released government memos show.
As the U.S. presidential election loomed, Canadian officials envisioned new opportunities for co-operation with their southern neighbour on nuclear energy, supply chain security and carbon capture technologies — no matter who won the contest, newly released government memos show.
Several months before Americans headed to the polls, one internal Global Affairs Canada memo flagged the goal of ensuring Canada's relationship with the United States "will be not only sustained, but broadened and deepened over the years to come, whatever the result of the elections later this year."
The memos, obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act, provide insight into the federal strategy to not only weather, but also capitalize on, what promised to be a turning point for its closest ally.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in January that Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Trade Minister Mary Ng would work with Kirsten Hillman, ambassador to Washington, to implement a "Team Canada" approach to promote and defend the country's interests with the U.S.
"We have an interest in locking in progress made since 2020 and we are preparing for all possible outcomes," said a briefing note prepared in late January.
It said Canada's preparation process would support engagement by ministers at the federal and state level to establish a broad network of contacts in the U.S. to ensure "better insight and influence." The tactics would also include advocating "across the aisle" on Canadian priorities to raise awareness.
Indeed, Hillman said in late August that she, Champagne and Ng had visited dozens of governors, as well as mayors, senators, trade officials, business executives and labour groups.
