Politics Insider: Premier and territorial leaders go to Washington to make a case against tariffs

On By Littum

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford, President of the Federation Council, speaks during a press conference with Premiers of Canada in Washington on February 12.Craig Hudson/Reuters

Hi, Welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today.

Canada’s Premier and territorial leaders arrived at the White House today at a meeting with “senior advisers” by US President Donald Trump.

Paola St-Georges, a spokesman for the Federation Council, representing the 10 provinces and three territories, confirmed the meeting where the premiere hopes to make the matter against Trump’s customs agenda.

When asked today, if the message is coming through to Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said: “He knows we’re here, I’ve been told.”

Even today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said a trade war with Canada would cost the united states’ jobs – though Trump’s tariffs go as high as 50 percent on products as steel.

And Canada’s new Fentanyl -Czar says he is planning a trip to the United States to meet his US colleagues, including US border czar Tom Homan, as soon as possible.

Then there are Tim Hortons who seem to switch to Canadian suppliers for us-sourced goods in the midst of the threat of customs.

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What else is going on

Justin Trudeau says Ukraine decides how war with Russia ends: In Brussels, Trudeau pushed back against comments from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegeth, who said it is unrealistic for Ukraine to maintain the boundaries that existed before Russia’s invasion in 2014 of the Crimean Peninsula.

In Saguenay, Canada’s Aluminum Valley, anxiety over scheduled US tariffs are tangible: US President Donald Trump’s plan to introduce 25 percent tariff rates on all steel and aluminum imports that start March 12 is the city.

Potential trade war with us weighed at the Bank of Canada as the lowered prices in January, minutes show: The central bank released a summary of its considerations that gives a glimpse of discussions ahead of the January 29 -rate – the sixth straight cut.

Arrivecan contractors did not meet conditions for original purchasing program, audits find: The results against two companies could have wider consequences for other joint ventures competing for more than $ 1.6 billion value of federal contract work, which the government leads annually against original companies.

Ian Hanomansing to host Live CBC News Network Prime-Time Show: The veteran news man takes over a daily two-hour castle after Power & Politics From Tuesday 18 February.

Perspectives

‘Who can take on Trump’ is the wrong question. ‘Who can make Canada resistant to him’ is the right

It’s not just about who can best negotiate with Mr. Trump, but who is brave enough to make the basic changes to the way this country operates, so we are never more as vulnerable as we are today.

– Robyn Urback, Spalist

Liberal Leadership Race is competition that doesn’t test anyone

Of course, this prime minister must almost instantly undergo a People’s Election Campaign that will be much coarser. As it stands now, Left chooses a captain who has not played in that kind of game.

– Campbell Clark, Chief Political Writer

If Canadians have to ride on the tariff’s roller coaster we can at least boycott us travel

Travel can be an adventure, an escape, a respite, a reunion with your boyfriend friend. It can also be political. Right now it must be.

– Marsha Leaderman, Spalist

On our radar

  • Liberal Management Notification: The federal liberals have confirmed that the March 9th message about their new leader will be made in Ottawa, with guest speakers prior to the reveal.
  • Prime Minister’s Day: Justin Trudeau is on his way back to Ottawa from a day in Brussels, which included a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, a lunch hosted by European Council President Antonio Costa and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and a news conference.
  • Pierre Poilievre: The federal conservative leader was planned to attend a fundraising event in a private residence in Toronto.

Question period

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has packed a visit to France and Belgium. How many times has he officially visited these countries according to his office?

Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.

Go deeper

Do you have a news tip that you would like us to research? E-mail us at [email protected]. Need to share documents securely? Reach out via Securedrop.

The answer to today’s question: Eleven official visits to France and six official visits to Belgium, according to PMO.