OTTAWA — Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly are actively engaging with officials from president-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration in Florida. Their visit to Palm Beach serves as an opportunity to highlight Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration, as well as the measures outlined in Canada’s Border Plan. Additionally, they will be emphasizing the potential negative impacts of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods, both in Canada and the U.S.
President Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs against Canada have sparked discussions at various levels of government on how to navigate the relationship with the incoming administration. Since his election in November, Trump has made references to Canada as the “51st state” and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of Canada.
In their meetings, LeBlanc and Joly will continue to build on previous discussions that took place when Prime Minister Trudeau met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month. They have also had recent conversations with Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan.
This diplomatic visit underscores the importance of maintaining strong relations with the United States, our largest trading partner. By actively engaging with the incoming administration, Canada seeks to protect its interests and strengthen collaboration on key issues that impact both countries.
©2024 The Canadian Press
Takeaways:
1. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly are meeting with officials from president-elect Donald Trump’s administration in Florida.
2. Discussions will focus on combating fentanyl trafficking, illegal migration, and addressing potential 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.
3. President Trump has referred to Canada as the “51st state” and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “governor” of Canada.
4. The ministers aim to build on previous meetings between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump.
5. Canada is working towards maintaining strong relations with the U.S. and protecting its interests through diplomatic efforts.
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