The Canadian government is preparing for the possibility of former U.S. President Donald Trump returning to the White House and the "uncertainty" he would bring, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday during a cabinet meeting.

Trudeau said that Trump "represents uncertainty. We don't know exactly what he will do," but he said his government was able to manage its affairs with Trump before by showing that Canada and the United States can create economic growth on both sides of the border, according to the Associated Press.

Trump is looking to win the Republican primary elections in New Hampshire, his second consecutive victory in his bid for the 2024 Republican Party nomination after a significant win in Iowa.

Trudeau added: "We managed to overcome the challenges posed by the Trump administration for four years, seven years ago, by presenting the fact that Canada and the United States work better when we do it together."

Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, and a committee of experts participated in the meeting to brief the cabinet and prepare a strategy on this matter. Trudeau said the ministers of industry and trade will lead the "Team Canada approach" with the business community.

Flavio Volpi, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association of Canada, also participated in the discussion on Tuesday.

The Canadian prime minister considered that "whether it was his (Trump’s) attacks on farmers across Canada, or his attacks on steel and aluminum workers, or his determination to tear up the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada, we were able to stand firm and renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement. That was difficult."

He continued saying: "What works with all U.S. presidents is showing that what is good for Canada is also good for the United States and vice versa. The integration of our two economies and the partnerships we have in many different fields end up benefiting both sides of the border."

The Canadian economy is dependent on exchanges with Washington

Trump had described Trudeau as "weak" and "dishonest" and attacked vital trade for Canada when he was president. He threatened to impose tariffs on cars and did impose them on steel.

The unprecedented tone of attacks on one of Washington’s closest allies left bad impressions, and most Canadians felt relieved at Trump's defeat in 2020, according to the Associated Press.

Canada is one of the most trade-dependent countries in the world, and Trump’s move to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and call for a 25% tariff on the auto sector constitutes an existential threat, according to the agency.

More than 75% of Canada's exports go to the United States, so maintaining the free trade deal was crucial. The countries, along with Mexico, eventually reached a new agreement.