Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed on Tuesday that his government is gearing up for the potential “uncertainty” that a hypothetical second term for former President Trump could introduce to Canada and its alliance with the United States. Trudeau’s Cabinet convened at a retreat in Montreal to deliberate on the prospect of Trump’s return in the 2024 presidential election and formulate a strategic approach.
Trudeau characterized Trump as a source of uncertainty but highlighted that his government effectively navigated Trump’s first term by emphasizing the mutual economic benefits inherent in a robust U.S.-Canada alliance. Trudeau stated, “We don’t know exactly what he is going to do,” emphasizing the successful management of challenges posed by the Trump administration seven years ago.
During the retreat, the Canadian Cabinet received briefings from Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman and a panel of experts. Flavio Volpe, the president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association in Canada, also participated in the discussions.
U.S.-Canadian relations faced challenges during the Trump administration, particularly due to Trump’s isolationist trade policies, which included imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum from Canada. Trudeau had refrained from direct criticism of Trump for much of his tenure, but tensions escalated when Trudeau condemned Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of Canada and the U.S. working together for mutual benefit. A recent poll indicates Canadian concerns about the future of U.S. democracy, with nearly two-thirds expressing worry that democracy may not survive another Trump term, and nearly 50 percent agreeing that the U.S. is “on the way to becoming an authoritarian state.”
Trudeau’s remarks coincide with the intensifying 2024 presidential election season, with the New Hampshire primary taking place on Tuesday.
