Commonwealth_ Canadian politicians are converging on Washington, D.C., amid escalating trade tensions sparked by the looming threat of 25 percent tariffs if Donald Trump returns to the White House. Many of these political figures will attend an event hosted at the Canadian Embassy, strategically located on Pennsylvania Avenue between the U.S. Capitol and the White House. Here is a closer look at the key Canadians expected to be in Washington on Monday and their roles in addressing these critical trade issues.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
Danielle Smith has emerged as a prominent Canadian voice in the face of the tariff threat. She has consistently appeared on U.S. news outlets to advocate for Canadian interests and recently visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to meet with the president-elect. However, her approach has not been without controversy. Last week, Smith declined to sign a joint statement with other premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which declared that “every countermeasure” was on the table to combat potential duties. This decision has drawn criticism from some quarters in Canada, but Smith has maintained her focus on directly engaging with U.S. leaders to protect Alberta’s economic interests, particularly in energy exports.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne
As one of the federal government’s Team Canada strategy co-leads, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne has been actively building connections with American politicians and business leaders since early 2024. His efforts aim to solidify Canada’s position as a vital economic partner to the U.S. Champagne has been a prominent figure in addressing the tariff threat, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Canadian industries. Notably, he chose not to enter the Liberal Party’s leadership race, explaining that his priority lies in preparing Ottawa to defend Canadian interests against Trump’s trade agenda.
Trade Minister Mary Ng
The second co-lead of the Team Canada initiative, Trade Minister Mary Ng, has also spent the past year forging relationships with U.S. stakeholders to bolster the Canada-U.S. partnership. Recently, Ng traveled to New Jersey and New York to meet with business leaders and state officials, focusing on promoting economic ties and mitigating potential trade disruptions. Her proactive efforts underscore the federal government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by Trump’s tariff threats and maintaining a strong bilateral relationship.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey
Andrew Furey has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s rhetoric, including comments about making Canada the 51st state and leveraging “economic force” against its northern neighbor. As the leader of an oil-producing province, Furey has highlighted the critical importance of Canadian energy exports to the U.S. While advocating for continued energy trade, he has also emphasized the need for Canada to assert its value as a reliable partner without immediately scaling back exports. His stance reflects a balanced approach to maintaining economic ties while resisting undue pressure.
Ontario Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli
Representing Ontario, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and Trade Minister Vic Fedeli are expected to arrive in Washington with Premier Doug Ford’s “Fortress Am-Can” proposal. This strategy seeks to deepen the economic relationship between Ontario and the U.S., particularly in the realm of energy security. Ontario officials estimate that the proposed tariffs could result in the loss of up to half a million jobs, underscoring the high stakes for the province. Lecce and Fedeli’s mission will focus on promoting Ontario’s role as a critical economic partner and mitigating the potential fallout of trade restrictions.
Liberal MP John McKay
Veteran MP John McKay, co-chair of the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group, brings decades of experience in fostering Canada-U.S. legislative relations. McKay, who has served as an MP since 1997, has built a network of connections with American lawmakers over the years. As he nears the end of his political career, having announced he will not seek re-election, McKay’s participation in these discussions underscores the importance of leveraging longstanding relationships to address the current trade challenges. Canadian political leaders are mobilizing in Washington to tackle the pressing threat of tariffs and reinforce the importance of the Canada-U.S. economic partnership. From provincial premiers to federal ministers and seasoned parliamentarians, these efforts reflect a united front aimed at safeguarding Canada’s industries and preserving vital cross-border ties. Their engagements in Washington will be pivotal in navigating the uncertainties posed by Trump’s trade policies and ensuring Canada’s economic resilience.
