President Donald Trump’s return to the White House brought with it an executive order launching a study of the United States’ trade relationship with Canada, pushing the threat of devastating tariffs down the road—temporarily.
Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman says it’s now time for Canada to shift its strategy in its conversations with the new administration, away from a transactional approach and toward a larger vision.
Hillman told The Canadian Press the goal should be to find ways for the two countries to work together to achieve some of Trump’s goals.
Hillman was speaking before Trump suggested to reporters Monday night that he might hit Canada and Mexico with sweeping 25 percent tariffs on Feb. 1.
It’s not clear if that date holds any significance; the executive order says that the report on trade with Canada isn’t due until April 1.
At a cabinet retreat in Montebello, Que., Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is focused on avoiding tariffs and insisted that Canada is prepared to reply if they are implemented.
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