Canadian officials are making concerted efforts in Washington this week, engaging U.S. lawmakers to prevent President Donald Trump from imposing 25% tariffs on most Canadian goods, which he has threatened to enact next month.
Anita Anand, Canada’s minister of transport and internal trade, is among several Canadian policymakers currently visiting the U.S. capital. Her agenda includes discussions with senators, members of Congress, and Trump’s cabinet to advocate against what she argues would be detrimental tariffs for the U.S. economy.
“We have heard a number of different approaches from the White House, including different dates on which they will be implemented,” said Anand during her meetings. She stressed the importance of presenting Canada’s economic interests directly to U.S. legislators, highlighting the collaborative nature of the discussions. “Every meeting I’ve had with congressional delegates and senators, whether Republican or Democrat, has been extremely collaborative,” she noted.
Trump has proposed various trade measures during his presidency, including tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada and what he termed “reciprocal tariffs.” Recently, he gave contradictory statements concerning the timeline for these tariffs, originally set for March 4, later indicating they would be enforced on April 2.
Anand, unclear about the official timeline, affirmed Canada's proactive approach to prepare for all possible scenarios surrounding the tariffs. “Our approach is to be ready for every scenario, to press Canadian economic interests at every turn,” she stated.
During her meetings, Anand highlighted the significant trade relationship between Canada and several U.S. states. For example, when meeting Senator Tammy Duckworth, she emphasized the billions of dollars worth of goods Canadian companies purchase from Illinois. Similarly, during her discussion with Republican Representative Mike Ezell, she noted the size of imports from Mississippi.
Interestingly, Anand revealed, “Not one has brought up Canada becoming the 51st state,” addressing the perception some might hold about Canada's relationship with the U.S. She also discussed other topics with U.S. officials, including maintaining transportation supply chains and aviation safety.
Joining Anand during this mission were Canadian Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay. They are part of the broader effort to strengthen ties and convey Canada’s viewpoint on free trade.
While the Trudeau government is hoping to defer imposing tariffs, it has also prepared retaliatory measures, including lists of 25% tariffs on up to C$155 billion (approximately $108 billion) worth of U.S. goods, should the need arise. Canada has remained clear about its stance, stating they will not initiate the trade conflict but will respond if provoked.
Overall, the outcome of these discussions remains to be seen as the Trump administration continues to convey mixed messages on its trade policy. What is clear is Canada’s commitment to ensuring its economic interests remain protected and the strong trading relationship with the U.S. is preserved.