Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will convene a cabinet retreat in Quebec on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration as United States president.
A Tuesday press release highlighted that the Jan. 20 retreat aims to address Trump’s tariff threats while strengthening Canada’s relationship with the U.S. by highlighting the mutually beneficial trade and security relationship between the two countries.
“Our government is unwaveringly focused on protecting and defending Canadian interests,” said Trudeau. “With the threat of tariffs from the incoming United States administration, Team Canada will use expanded capabilities to strengthen Canada’s relationship with the U.S., protect Canadian investment and jobs, and make unequivocally clear the mutually beneficial relationship our two countries share.”
The release also highlighted that Canada will build on its relationship with the U.S. by bolstering cross-border trade, reinforcing supply chains, and creating jobs on both sides of the border.
The Liberals’ $1.3 billion border security plan in response to the tariffs was also highlighted in the release.
Despite the Liberals’ recent plan, some provinces determined it wasn’t enough after demanding improved border security from the feds.
Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta each previously unveiled border plans to strengthen their provincial borders shared with the U.S. Saskatchewan made a similar announcement on Tuesday.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith previously suggested leveraging Canada’s energy to avoid the tariff threats. Ontario Premier Doug Ford similarly announced a plan to supercharge Canadian energy exports to the United States with hopes of avoiding tariffs or annexation.
The cabinet retreat will be held in Quebec. It is unclear whether Trudeau will find time to attend Trump’s inauguration or whether he was invited to begin with.
True North reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office to ask whether Trudeau received an invitation but received no reply.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he will not be attending the inauguration.
True North previously reported that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith would be attending the Trump inauguration in person, after Alberta’s representative office in Washington, D.C., was given tickets so that she could attend in person.
Canada’s premiers are meeting in Washington, D.C. in February to discuss how his tariffs are impacting Canadians.