Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, shared details about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s dinner with President-elect Donald Trump. She said the meeting helped explain why Canada should not be treated the same as Mexico regarding drugs and migrants crossing into the U.S.
Clear Discussion on Border Differences
Hillman emphasized that the dinner, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, centered on border concerns. Trudeau made it clear that the Canada-U.S. border is very different from the Mexico-U.S. border. “The message was really understood,” Hillman said.
Drug Trafficking and Immigration Differences
Hillman pointed out key differences in drug trafficking and immigration patterns. She noted that Canada contributes almost no fentanyl to the U.S. “There is essentially zero trafficking of fentanyl from Canada,” Hillman explained. She added that 99.8% of fentanyl seized by U.S. authorities comes from Mexico.
In terms of illegal immigration, Hillman said Canada accounted for just 0.6% of U.S. interceptions. The numbers were stark: the U.S. Border Patrol made far more arrests at the Mexican border compared to Canada in October 2023.
Canada’s Commitment to Border Security
Hillman assured that Canada is dedicated to improving border security. She mentioned plans to increase resources such as drones, helicopters, and more officers. Additionally, Canada has an agreement with the U.S. to send migrants back to Canada, unlike the agreement between the U.S. and Mexico.
Trade Talks and Imbalance
Trade was also discussed at the dinner. Hillman acknowledged the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, which stood at $75 billion last year. However, she clarified that much of Canada’s exports to the U.S. are energy products, which have higher prices. “A balanced trade deal would mean Canada buys 10 times more from the U.S. per capita,” she said.
Building a Strong Relationship
Despite the trade and border challenges, Hillman said the dinner was productive. Trudeau and Trump got along well, even sharing a moment when Trump played music for the group. Hillman described the conversation as friendly, though she admitted that while Trudeau hoped for a no-tariff promise, it wasn’t realistically expected.
U.S.-Canada Trade Importance
Hillman stressed that Canada is a crucial trading partner for the U.S. Nearly $2.7 billion worth of goods cross the border every day. Canada supplies key resources like oil, electricity, and critical minerals, which are vital for U.S. national security.
In conclusion, Hillman emphasized that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is vital, with 77% of Canada’s exports going to the U.S.
