Unlike in 2016, the Trudeau government will not be taken by surprise if Donald Trump wins the American presidential election next November.
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“We are ready for any eventuality,” says the Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne.
Mr. Champagne is one of the leaders of the new Team Canada created by Justin Trudeau in anticipation of the election in the United States.
It aims to remind American business people and decision-makers of the importance of trade with Canada to themselves.
“Canada is the essential partner in terms of security and the resilience of supply chains,” said the minister about the message that he and other ministers are hammering home to the United States.
Canada’s ambassador to Washington recently met with Republican elected officials in the American capital to convey the same message.
Donald Trump promises to impose a 10% tariff on all products entering the United States.
Kirsten Hillman notably spoke with Republican Congresswoman Elise Stafanik, whom many see as Donald Trump’s possible running mate.
“The message is getting through,” says Mme Hillman.
“We are still well regarded in Canada,” she adds. We are not a country that is threatening, that is too difficult. We are truly a partner.”
Quebec increases its workforce in the United States
The new Quebec delegate in Washington affirms that resources have been added to all Quebec representations in the United States.
This “will allow us to have greater influence over the entire territory,” says Benjamin Bélair, met at the Quebec office located near the White House.
Like Ottawa, Mr. Bélair says he warns American stakeholders against protectionist tendencies.
“In several sectors, our supply chains are so integrated that putting tariffs on Quebec products is not only penalizing Quebec companies, it is above all penalizing the American consumer,” he notes.
Liberal attacks that could turn against Trudeau?
While governments are carrying out this operation south of the border, Justin Trudeau and his party are using Donald Trump as a political weapon in Canada.
The PLC notably published videos comparing conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to the former president.
“It’s a mistake and it could have a counterproductive effect,” said John Bolton, a former close advisor to Donald Trump in an interview with TVA Nouvelles.
Questioned on this subject, Minister François-Philippe Champagne did not show any concern.
“There is no one who knows Pierre Poilievre in the United States, honestly.”
