Amid growing trade tensions between the United States and Canada, members of the Canadian government met Friday in Florida with representatives of the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. These talks aim to defuse a potential economic war between the two North American neighbors.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canadian Minister of Finance, and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump's residence, with Howard Lutnick, future head of customs and trade policies, and Doug Burgum, close to the The oil industry and designated to oversee federal lands and a National Energy Council.
A “positive and productive” meeting
The meeting was described as “positive and productive” by Jean-Sébastien Comeau, spokesperson for Dominic LeBlanc. Canadian ministers stressed the importance of “strengthening border security and combating the harm of fentanyl in order to save Canadian and American lives.” They also detailed a plan to secure the Canadian border, costing one billion Canadian dollars, intended to address American concerns.
The move comes after Donald Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products, citing the opioid and immigration crises. Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister, has promised retaliation, without specifying its nature, and is facing increasing domestic pressure.
Justin Trudeau's position weakened
The Canadian government is also weakened by internal dissensions. Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister and deputy prime minister, recently resigned, denouncing Justin Trudeau's handling of the looming economic crisis. The withdrawal of the Prime Minister's left-wing ally further accentuates his political isolation.
Our file on customs duties
With the United States absorbing 75% of Canadian exports and nearly 2 million dependent jobs, the situation remains critical. Howard Lutnick and Doug Burgum assured that they would transmit the Canadian proposals to Donald Trump, suggesting a still uncertain dialogue.
