As relations between Canada and the United States grow more uncertain leading up to the Trump Administration taking office, a First Minister’s meeting is being held today in Ottawa.

In attendance, either in-person or virtually, are all provincial and territorial premiers, the Prime Minister, as well as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly, and Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America Kirsten Hillman.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says today’s meeting will have two main themes; the first one is creating opportunities for increased partnership with the U.S. He says one way to do this is through the supply of critical minerals.

“If they don’t get them from Canada, they’ll get them from China, and if they can’t get them from Canada or China, they don’t get them from anywhere. That is going to be a real issue for them, so there’s lots of opportunities for us to deepen that (partnership).”

Another opportunity for increased partnership lies in the energy sector.

“In 2023, the U.S. imported about $123 billion USD worth of energy into the U.S. It is an extraordinarily important relationship for them that powers their jobs, their industries, their homes. We need to continue that, and we can even do more.”

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc will also be presenting on opportunities for partnership regarding Canada’s border plan; touching on elements such as the fight against illegal drugs, immigration, and management of border security.

The second theme is Canada’s response plan for addressing possible 25 per cent tariffs.

Donald Trump is set to take office January 20th, 2025.