Trudeau names ex-premiers, business and union reps to Canada-U.S. relations council
By Canadian Press on January 16, 2025.
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has formed a new Canada-U.S. relations council to support the federal government as it deals with the incoming Trump administration’s vow to impose tariffs.
The 18 members of the council include Steve Verheul, who was Canada’s chief trade negotiator during the renegotiation of NAFTA.
Joining him on the council are former premiers Jean Charest, Rachel Notley and Stephen McNeil.
Canada’s Ambassador to the United States Kirsten Hillman, former ambassador David MacNaughton and Jody Thomas, the prime minister’s former national security adviser, are also joining the council.
The group includes representatives from the automotive industry, the nuclear power sector, agriculture and the labour movement.
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports when he takes office next week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2025.
Sarah Ritchie, The Canadian Press
11-10
Did the provinces have a say in the selection of these people? I do not see any representatives from the oil and gas industry of Canada, yet this industry contributes as much as the automotive industry, if not more.
I have zero trust in anything the Liberals put forth or their false promises which in past elections have proven to be lies just to get elected. We already have seen what the Liberals have done to Canada domestically and internationally in the past several years, and we would not be in this position if we had put more money into protecting our borders, sovereignty and economy!
“Alberta, as the largest exporter of energy products to the United States, is particularly vulnerable.
According to a 2024 report by ATB Financial, Alberta exported $134 billion in oil and gas to America, representing over 80% of Alberta’s total exported goods.”