Trudeau praises U.S. leadership in first meeting with Biden
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden revealed a new “partnership roadmap” to establish ambitious goals and mark a fresh era of relations between their nations after the departure of Donald Trump from office last month.
Trudeau was Biden’s first call post-inauguration, with the virtual meeting becoming the president’s inaugural bilateral with a world leader. In his opening words, Trudeau noted the absence of U.S. leadership on climate change in recent years.
While climate change was a significant topic, the COVID-19 pandemic took center stage during the meeting, focusing on measures both nations could take to mitigate future pandemic impacts.
Biden emphasized the commitment to prevent future biological threats by strengthen organizations like the World Health Organization and the Global Health Security Agenda. He also highlighted cooperation in various multilateral institutions to enhance global norms.
Emphasizing the importance of strengthened supply chains and heightened security, Biden stressed the need for a robust economic recovery benefiting all, not just a select few.
Addressing the pandemic’s revelation of societal inequalities, the leaders pledged to tackle these pressing issues together, recognizing their responsibility as leading democracies to uphold shared values and strengthen democracies domestically.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau joined Trudeau in-person, with all wearing face masks. In Washington, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined Biden, also donning face masks.
Notably, Trudeau and Biden expressed a mutual commitment to drive their nations towards a greener future amid the pressing challenges posed by COVID-19, climate change, and rising inequality.
The announcement of the new roadmap by the Prime Minister’s Office outlined a comprehensive guide for future bilateral relations aimed at revitalizing and expanding the historic partnership between the two countries.
While the leaders seemed amicable, concerns over Biden’s “Buy American” provisions loomed, with Trudeau under pressure to secure an exemption to the policy to safeguard Canadian jobs and interests.
Concerns were raised about the Line 5 pipeline, facing potential closure by May 2021, which would impact jobs in both countries. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole urged Trudeau to push for exemptions to safeguard Canadian interests and jobs.
Biden’s “Buy American” executive order, aimed at prioritizing domestic manufacturers, raised questions about exemptions for Canada, especially in light of the Keystone XL pipeline cancellation.
The safety and release of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor detained in China were also discussed during the bilateral, emphasizing the shared commitment to securing their safe return.
Amidst the re-engagement with the Paris accord and the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline project, Biden signaled a shift towards a greener future, aiming to lead by example on climate change issues.
The meeting highlighted the intricate trade relationship between the two countries, with past challenges like steel and aluminum tariffs underlining the need for secure supply chains and mutual cooperation.
As the U.S. navigates protectionist policies under Biden’s administration, the hope for a negotiated exemption under the “Buy American” provisions remains, reflecting the intertwined nature of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship.
With a focus on restoring normalcy post-COVID-19 disruptions, the leaders emphasized the need for trust and cooperation to plan policies for a stable and predictable future between the two nations.
