Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai’s team in cabinet communications has confirmed to the News that Pillai is planning to attend an in-person meeting with premiers and the prime minister about Canada-U.S. relations that Ontario Premier Doug Ford has requested on behalf of Canada’s premiers.
Ford wrote a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of United States president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. The letter references presenting a “united front” against Trump’s intent to impose tariffs on products going from Canada to the United States.
Ford’s letter, dated Jan. 6, called for an in-person meeting for the week of Jan. 13. The letter was sent the same day Trudeau announced his resignation as prime minister and federal Liberal Party of Canada leader after a new leader has been decided.
Amid Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on imports from Canada into the U.S., Trump keeps making suggestions about annexing Canada.
On Jan. 6, Trump posted the following to Truth Social: “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.”
In a Jan. 7 press conference, Trump indicated he could use economic force to take over Canada.
Later that day, Trudeau posted to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook: “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Ford chairs the Council of the Federation, which is made up of territorial and provincial leaders.
In his letter, Ford called for regular engagement with first ministers to support a “Team Canada” approach to U.S. relations.
Ford said this angle will ensure quick actions and coordination in their approach, particularly considering the "developing situation” in Trudeau’s government.
“It has never been more important that Canada demonstrate stability, strength, and unity,” Ford wrote to Trudeau.
In a Dec. 11, 2024, statement following a second virtual first ministers’ meeting on the Canada-U.S. relationship, the prime minister committed to convening more first ministers' meetings.
According to a press release published on Dec. 16, 2024, by the Council of the Federation, premiers plan to head south of the border this upcoming February “to further cement ongoing work to build strong U.S. partnerships.”
Before the new year, Pillai met with Donald Trump Jr., the U.S. president-elect's son, about Canada-U.S. "partnerships.” A statement attributed to Pillai notes the two discussed the proposed tariffs on Canadian imports to the United States.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com