On Parliament Hill

A new administration in the United States under President Donald Trump has Canadians wondering what the change in the White House might mean for Canada.

For decades, Canada and the United States have enjoyed a unique relationship based on shared geography, common values, and powerful economic ties. In fact, when we talk about trade between Canada and the United States, we are talking about the world’s largest trade relationship. Our supply chains are intrinsically integrated with $2 billion crossing our border on a daily basis.

This relationship has been immensely beneficial for people on both sides of the border. Millions of American jobs depend on trade with Canada and we have added 4.7 million new jobs to our economy since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into force.

It is clear that some of President Trump’s economic and trade policies represent a serious concern for Canadians, including his vow to renegotiate NAFTA, which places everything on the table. Canadians are worried because Prime Minister Trudeau doesn’t have a plan to protect high-paying jobs in Canada created as a result of NAFTA. This includes 550,000 auto sector jobs, 400,000 forestry jobs, and 211,000 aerospace jobs.

With so much at stake, Canadians expect the Liberal Government to defend our interests and get results. Shockingly, instead of defending Canada’s interests and highlighting Canada’s importance to the US economy, the very first thing Prime Minister Trudeau did after the US election was offer to renegotiate NAFTA. This goes to show just how ill-prepared he is to deal with a president like Donald Trump. If Prime Minister Trudeau is willing to put Canadian jobs on the line even before sitting down with President Trump, Canadians are right to be worried about whether he will be able to protect Canada’s interests when face-to-face with the experienced negotiator.

Our Official Opposition will continue to promote Canada’s importance to the American economy as our team meets with US legislators. We will also continue to hold the Liberals to account for their job-killing policies like the carbon tax and CPP tax hike that will put our businesses at a competitive disadvantage with the United States.