OTTAWA, Ontario — In a significant move, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared the establishment of a Canada-U.S. relations council on Thursday. This initiative aims to bolster the federal government’s response to the newly incoming U.S. administration’s potential imposition of a hefty 25% tariff on all imports from Canada.
The council is made up of 18 members from various sectors, including the automotive industry, nuclear power, agriculture, and labor organizations.
Noteworthy individuals on the council include Steve Verheul, who was Canada’s chief trade negotiator during the NAFTA renegotiations. It also encompasses former provincial leaders Jean Charest from Quebec, Rachel Notley of Alberta, and Stephen McNeil representing Nova Scotia.
The group will also feature Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, as well as former ambassador David MacNaughton. Jody Thomas, the former national security advisor to the Prime Minister, is also part of this newly formed council.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office highlighted that the council’s purpose is to leverage specialized knowledge across different sectors to assist the Prime Minister and his cabinet during this crucial juncture in Canada-U.S. relations.
Trudeau, after a meeting with the nation’s premiers on Wednesday, mentioned that there are currently no definitive plans regarding which Canadian goods might be targeted in retaliation should tariffs be enacted by the U.S.
He emphasized, “We are all united on one thing, which is we will stand up for Canada. We will protect Canadians. We will ensure that we demonstrate the strength of this country.”
Trudeau further remarked, “If the American administration pushes ahead with its tariff plans, it will primarily have adverse effects on American citizens and consumers; however, it will also negatively impact Canadians.”