Trudeau inviting premiers to Ottawa as Trump inauguration looms

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has extended an invitation to provincial and territorial premiers to convene in Ottawa next Wednesday for discussions on Canada-U.S. relations. This invitation comes in response to a request from Ontario Premier Doug Ford for a first ministers’ meeting, emphasizing the importance of stability, strength, and unity in the face of the evolving situation with the new U.S. administration.

In his letter, Ford stressed the need for regular engagement between Ottawa and the provinces on U.S. relations to ensure swift and coordinated action, especially given the recent threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports by president-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau, who announced his resignation as prime minister and leader of the federal Liberal Party pending the selection of a successor, has decided to remain in office for the time being to address the Trump transition and tariff threats.

The upcoming meeting on Jan. 15 will mark the first in-person gathering between Trudeau and the premiers since February 2023. The discussions will focus on navigating the challenges posed by the U.S. administration and strengthening Canada’s position in the face of potential economic repercussions.

Trump’s recent statements suggesting that Canada should become the “51st state” and his use of the term “governor” to refer to Trudeau have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the future of Canada-U.S. relations. Trudeau has dismissed these assertions, reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and the importance of the bilateral partnership for both countries’ economic and national security interests.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh have also voiced their opposition to Trump’s proposals, with Poilievre categorically stating that Canada will never become the 51st state. Singh warned of the potential consequences of Trump’s actions on jobs and the economy on both sides of the border.

Premier Ford, who has been actively advocating against tariffs on American media outlets, reiterated his disagreement with Trump’s idea of incorporating Canada into the U.S. during a recent appearance on Fox News. He emphasized that Canada is not for sale, despite Trump’s real estate background.

As tensions escalate and the threat of tariffs looms, the upcoming meeting in Ottawa will be crucial in charting a unified and strategic response to safeguard Canada’s interests and maintain a strong stance in the face of external pressures. The discussions will be integral in fostering cooperation and coordination among the federal government and provincial leaders in navigating the complexities of Canada-U.S. relations in the coming days.