The Canadian government is reinforcing its diplomatic efforts in the United States by speaking with Donald Trump allies in the midst of an election year that could potentially see the return of Mr. Trump to the presidency.
This approach aims to deepen and broaden Canada’s relationships across the U.S., emphasizing the mutual benefits of a strong bilateral partnership, according to Ms. Hillman.
The government’s “Team Canada” strategy, announced during a recent cabinet retreat in Montreal, seeks to showcase for Americans how U.S. prosperity, security, and environmental sustainability are closely linked with maintaining a robust relationship with Canada.
“The Team Canada approach is an extension of the kind of work we’re always trying to do down here, which is to build broad and deep relationships across the country, in all regions and on both sides of the aisle,” Ms. Hillman said on “The West Block” on Feb. 11.
Mr. Trudeau has been vocal about the implications of a possible Trump re-election, criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for adopting what he calls “Republican-style” politics. As well, Mr. Trudeau and other Liberal MPs have been using words and phrases to associate the Conservatives with Mr. Trump in a negative light, such as “MAGA-influenced politics” when characterizing the party’s position on certain issues.
This has raised questions about the impact of such rhetoric on Canada’s diplomatic efforts in the United States.
David MacNaughton, a former Canadian ambassador to the United States, has said that Mr. Trudeau should refrain from using the anti-Trump “MAGA Conservative” rhetoric to target his political rivals, worrying about the consequences for Canada should Mr. Trump become president.
Responding to these concerns, Ms. Hillman highlighted the non-partisan nature of key issues such as economic and environmental security, asserting that both Democratic and Republican officials recognize the value of a strong partnership with Canada.
Ms. Hillman acknowledged the necessity of preparing for a broad spectrum of electoral outcomes, given the significant number of political positions up for grabs in the upcoming elections. She emphasized there are ongoing discussions with Republicans, strategists advising Mr. Trump, and allies in Congress and at state levels, aiming to lay a groundwork that could accommodate any political scenario.
Despite potential challenges posed by the prime minister’s critical comments on Mr. Trump, Ms. Hillman did not report any negative feedback from her interactions with U.S. officials. Instead, she pointed out the positive outcomes achieved under the Trump administration, such as the renegotiation of NAFTA, as examples of successful cooperation between the two countries.
“Under the Trump administration, Canada and the United States and President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau together with Mexico were able to renegotiate the NAFTA, and that was a really important success,” she said.
“We tend to focus on results,” she added. “We tend to focus really on what are the policy issues that are core to Americans and Canadians.”
The poll, released on Jan. 28, shows 44 percent of respondents preferring Mr. Poilievre, including 17 percent of current Liberal voters and 23 percent of NDP voters. In contrast, only 29 percent chose Mr. Trudeau as the best option to handle Mr. Trump, with 28 percent remaining undecided.
