The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Feb. 14, edition that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau won personal assurances from President
Donald Trump during a meeting on Monday that
the United States only wants to tweak the North American free-trade
provisions that govern commerce with Canada.
The Globe's Robert Fife writes that Mr. Trudeau steered clear of controversial subjects, opting instead to win the President
over by convincing him Canada can help his economic agenda.
Mr. Trudeau came to the White House with the overarching aim of
obtaining U.S. guarantees that Canada's export-driven economy
would not be sideswiped by the President's plan to renegotiate NAFTA.
Mr. Trump said: "Our relationship with Canada is outstanding.
We are going to work together to make it even better." Mr. Trump, however, said the U.S. will be seeking more "reciprocity"
in trade with Canada,
which could include demands
that U.S. firms are able to bid on
provincial and municipal projects. Mr.
Trump reassured Mr. Trudeau
that he has nothing to fear from
the new administration in Washington.
Mr. Trump said his main
aim in revamping NAFTA was to
take aim at Mexico.
No schedule was set for when NAFTA talks would begin.
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