Preparation for next president started months ago, Trudeau’s cabinet says

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed confidence that Canada is better prepared to handle upcoming trade negotiations with the next U.S. president, thanks to the experience gained over the past decade of dealing with three different U.S. administrations.

Although Canada will be closely monitoring the U.S. presidential election results, Joly emphasized that the Trudeau government is more equipped now than during the previous renegotiation of trade deals, especially in managing relations with both Republicans and Democrats.

Several cabinet ministers, including Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, have been laying the groundwork for months, aiming to position Canada as a critical and strategic partner for the U.S., particularly in the context of economic security.

This approach contrasts with the earlier perception of Canada as just a friendly neighbor. The ministers' focus has been on strengthening Canada's economic ties with the U.S. in anticipation of any protectionist measures that could be proposed by the next president, whether it be Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.

As the U.S. election results start to roll in on Tuesday evening, viewing parties are being held in Ottawa, with MPs and staffers gathering in small groups at pubs across the city.

Additionally, U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen is expected to address a gathering of politicos and foreign diplomats at a bistro near Parliament Hill.