The Canadian government, led by Justin Trudeau, is preparing for potential repercussions from the re-election of former U.S. President Donald Trump, especially after strained relations during his first term.

The French newspaper Le Monde stated that Trump’s recent threats regarding NATO funding put pressure on Canada, highlighting concerns about defense and trade.

It is noted that the strained relations between Trudeau and Trump, which worsened due to trade disputes and diplomatic tensions, require Canada to develop a proactive strategy.

According to the newspaper, Canada, whose economy is strongly linked to that of the United States, seeks to anticipate the potential consequences of Trump’s return to power; initiatives such as the finance minister’s meeting with Canadian economic entities in September 2023, and the establishment of a special team led by François-Philippe Champagne, aim to strengthen relations with the United States.

This mobilization falls within a strategy aimed at diversifying communication within the American political and economic sphere.

Canada seeks to bypass the power of Central America by targeting members of Congress, state governors, and economic actors to counter potential hostile policies of Trump towards Canada.

The newspaper indicated that this strategy is based on the belief that regional and sectoral actors in the United States can positively influence political and economic decisions.

Similar efforts were made during the CUSMA negotiations to maintain trade relations.

The newspaper adds that while Trudeau works to mobilize diplomatic and economic resources to face political uncertainty in the United States, he maintains a delicate balance to avoid provoking Trump’s anger.

The newspaper concluded by saying that lessons learned from previous interactions with the Trump administration drive Trudeau to adopt a cautious but proactive approach to defend Canadian interests. The ongoing uncertainty regarding Trump’s potential policies also highlights the challenges Canada faces in maintaining its economic, diplomatic, and environmental priorities amid a volatile international political atmosphere.