Conservative MP open to speaking with friend JD Vance if Liberals ask for help
Conservative MP Jamil Jivani, a close friend of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, has expressed his willingness to assist the government in negotiations with the U.S. administration if called upon by the Liberals. Despite maintaining a low profile about his friendship with Vance since Donald Trump’s inauguration, Jivani hinted at using his personal connection to help improve Canada-U.S. relations during an interview on CBC’s Power & Politics.
“If the Liberal government wants to find me, they know where I am,” Jivani stated in the interview with host David Cochrane. He emphasized his readiness to prioritize the country over partisanship while underscoring the government’s role in leading the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Acknowledging the strained dynamic between the two countries, Jivani expressed his support for the Liberal government’s efforts to enhance the relationship. He also mentioned having previous discussions with Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador in Washington, to provide insights on the matter.
Jivani and Vance’s friendship dates back to their time at Yale Law School. Despite their strong political disagreements, the bond between them remains steadfast, with Jivani even playing a role in Vance’s charitable organization, Our Ohio Renewal.
As the MP for Bowmanville-Oshawa North, a region deeply connected to the North American auto industry, Jivani highlighted the importance of protecting constituents from potential tariffs on auto parts. Fortunately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently announced exemptions for automobile parts compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement.
While expressing his willingness to assist constituents, Jivani reiterated the government’s responsibility in managing the U.S. relationship. He emphasized the need for Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party to lead on behalf of Canada, especially in addressing the impact of tariffs on affected families.
Following a conversation between Carney and Trump post-election, speculations arose about Carney’s upcoming visit to Washington. The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to confirm the exact timing of the visit, indicating ongoing efforts to navigate the complex Canada-U.S. relationship.
