Canadian Officials Shed Light on Strategy to Prepare for Next US Administration

Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne (C), International Trade Minister Mary Ng (L), and Canada's Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman speak to media at the federal cabinet retreat in Halifax on Aug. 27, 2024. Kelly Clark/The Canadian Press

In preparation for the arrival of a new U.S. administration in the coming months, Canadian officials say they have devised a strategy that in part involves talking business with Republicans and policy with Democrats.

“The good thing is that when we talk to our Republican friends, they say ‘we like you because you talk business,’ and when we talk to Democrats, they say ‘we like you because you align on policy,’” Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said on Aug. 27 in Halifax.