Conservative MP Jamil Jivani meets U.S. VP-elect amid Trump’s tariff threats

A Canadian Conservative member of Parliament has leveraged his long-standing friendship with a key figure in Donald Trump’s inner circle as the president-elect’s return to the White House looms, along with the threat of potentially devastating tariffs.

Jamil Jivani recently shared a photo on social media featuring himself alongside vice-president-elect JD Vance and British Conservative Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch. The trio reportedly had dinner in Arlington, Va., not far from Washington, where they discussed the importance of fostering strong relationships between Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

During their meeting, Vance and Jivani delved into the Canadian politician’s petition aimed at protecting Christians and addressing the concerning trend of church arson incidents in recent years. Vance showed his support for the petition on social media, underscoring their shared dedication to important causes.

The camaraderie between Jivani and Vance dates back to their time at Yale University, where they forged a close friendship that has endured over the years. Despite Vance’s recent appointment as Trump’s vice-president-elect, this marks the first time Jivani has publicly acknowledged their meeting since the November election.

Sources indicate that Jivani extended an invitation for Vance to visit his Ontario riding in the near future, with plans for the American senator to potentially make a trip to Bowmanville, Ont.

Meanwhile, the looming threat of tariffs from the incoming Trump administration has placed Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in a challenging position. As the review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement approaches, Poilievre must navigate a response to Trump’s tariff threats, which experts warn could have severe repercussions for the Canadian economy.

While Poilievre initially condemned the proposed tariffs as unjustified, he later shifted his focus to criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for what he perceived as a weak stance in response to the threat. Stressing the importance of putting Canada’s interests first, Poilievre emphasized that every Conservative member would advocate against tariffs on Canada.

Trudeau, on the other hand, emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in the face of external threats, urging political leaders to refrain from publicly undermining Canada’s position. He cautioned against divisive rhetoric and called for a united front in defense of the country’s economic interests.

In the midst of these political developments, Jivani’s strategic outreach to Vance and Badenoch underscores the significance of fostering international alliances and collaboration in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. As Canada braces for the uncertainties of the post-election landscape, such cross-border connections may prove invaluable in safeguarding the country’s economic and diplomatic interests.