Two senior Canadian ministers will meet with members of President-elect Donald Trump’s team in Florida on Friday to discuss border security, with Canada seeking to prevent Trump’s threatened tariffs on Canadian imports.
This meeting follows up on a Thanksgiving dinner between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump, as well as a recent phone call between members of Trudeau’s cabinet and Thomas D. Homan, Trump’s designated border czar.
Mélanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, and Dominic LeBlanc, who became finance minister last week, arrived in Florida on Thursday.
According to LeBlanc’s spokesperson, the talks will focus on Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration. They will also address the potential impacts of Trump’s 25% tariff threat, which could hurt both Canada and the U.S.
The ministers are expected to meet with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary.
While the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for information, it is clear the discussions are crucial for Canada’s economy, which heavily depends on exports to the U.S.
Trump has threatened to impose tariffs unless Canada reduces the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S. This has sparked concerns in Canada, as its economy relies on cross-border trade.
Trump has also repeatedly taunted Trudeau on social media. Recently, Trump even suggested that Canada could benefit from becoming the 51st U.S. state, claiming it would cut taxes and boost businesses.
Trump has further stirred controversy with calls for territorial expansions, including reclaiming the Panama Canal and “owning” Greenland.
Meanwhile, public opinion in Canada remains largely unfavorable toward Trump. A recent poll showed that his election win and tariff threat were among the stories that angered Canadians the most.
On Christmas, Trump also jokingly suggested that NHL legend Wayne Gretzky could run for prime minister of Canada, a notion that has drawn both humor and criticism.
While Gretzky has publicly supported political opponents of Trudeau, he has shown no interest in running for office.
In Canada, Trudeau’s political future has become uncertain after a series of setbacks, including the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Freeland’s departure followed Trudeau’s decision to move her from the finance minister position, which she held during NAFTA renegotiations under Trump’s first administration.
Her resignation letter expressed frustration over recent economic policies and the looming threat of tariffs, while also criticizing Trudeau for political gimmicks that could weaken Canada’s economy.
Following her resignation calls for Trudeau’s resignation have grown louder, with opposition parties vowing to bring down his government when Parliament resumes in late January.
Peoplesmind
