Ottawa ramps up diplomatic efforts as Trump delays trade penalties for 30 days
Key Canadian cabinet ministers have returned to Washington to push for a permanent removal of U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, following President Donald Trump’s temporary 30-day pause on the trade penalties.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson emphasized that discussions must shift away from tariffs and toward economic collaboration, particularly in energy and resource partnerships.
“I do think there are opportunities for conversations to enable us to move away from the conversation about tariffs,” Wilkinson said Tuesday.
His visit includes meetings with U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Republican lawmakers to align Canada’s energy policies with Trump’s push for U.S. energy dominance.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Defence Minister Bill Blair also traveled to Washington as part of Canada’s lobbying efforts.
“The Canada-U.S. relationship has withstood the greatest tests of time, and it deserves our every effort to protect it,” Champagne posted on social media.
At a Lunar New Year event in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reassured Canadians that despite difficult negotiations, his government remains committed to keeping trade open.
“We’ve shown that when Canada’s interests are at risk, political divisions don’t matter—we are one team: Team Canada,” Trudeau told the crowd.
He confirmed that while tariffs are on hold for now, the work to eliminate them entirely continues.
Despite the pause, uncertainty in trade relations continues to rattle businesses and investors.
Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, warned that even a temporary reprieve does little to restore market confidence.
“Much uncertainty remains. Canada must act with urgency to improve our long-term economic prospects,” Hyder said.
Quebec Premier François Legault echoed these concerns, stating, “What’s annoying about dealing with Trump is that there’s always this sword hanging over our heads.”
Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian imports, with a lower 10% tariff on Canadian energy exports. However, after a series of calls with Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, he delayed the penalties until March 4 to allow negotiations to continue.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that convincing Trump to drop the tariffs for good requires pressure from within the U.S..
“We’re in action mode,” Joly said, adding that Canada is actively lobbying American lawmakers and industry leaders.
With a mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) approaching, many experts believe Trump’s tariffs are a negotiation tactic to push Canada and Mexico into trade concessions.
As the 30-day deadline looms, Ottawa must secure trade stability or prepare for a full-scale tariff war.