Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says world leaders have been seeking his advice on how to work with President-elect Donald Trump, particularly when it comes to trade.
Trudeau made the comments after two days of meetings at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ gathering on Nov. 16.
During Trump’s first presidency, the United States, Mexico, and Canada signed the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the successor to NAFTA. Canada had to make concessions to its dairy supply management system before the deal could be signed.
Trudeau said he has been advising leaders to focus on win-wins.
“There are going to be challenging moments ahead, that Donald Trump will very much be focused on what’s good for the United States. But because trade can and should fundamentally be a win-win, there are ways to work in serious but frank and open engagements that deliver opportunities for people.”
During the U.S. election campaign, Trump said he was going to impose tariffs of a minimum of 10 percent.
“People are being thoughtful about how to position themselves over the coming years in a way that’s going to be constructive,” Trudeau said at the news conference.
As for the various leaders who sought his advice, he would not name the countries or indicate the region the leaders were from.
CUSMA is set to be reviewed in 2026.
The next federal election in Canada has to be held by October 2025, and depending on the outcome of that election, it could be a different government leading the CUSMA negotiations.
Trudeau said he’s hopeful about what could be accomplished in the next round of negotiations.
“Trump wants what’s best for American workers. I want what’s best for Canadian workers. And you know, we’re not going to be suckers anymore,” Poilievre said.
