Thursday February 20, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS (posted from VICTORIA, BC)
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Canada-U.S relations and Arctic security were discussed today in a meeting hosted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau together with the Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair; Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman; and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau.
They met virtually with Canada’s premiers who together comprise the Council of the Federation.
Weekly meetings have become the norm between the prime minister and the premiers over the last two months in the face of US tariff and sovereignty threats.
Arctic security:
The Prime Minister and Minister Blair shared updates on Arctic security, and invited the Premier of the Yukon, Ranj Pillai, to share his perspectives as Chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum. The Prime Minister underscored that defending Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic is essential to our national security, the defence of North America, and NATO’s core mission of collective defence and security.
Minister Blair highlighted the Canadian Armed Forces’ important work to defend the Arctic and noted recent commitments to further strengthen Arctic security.
Our North, Strong and Free, the $73 billion defence policy update the federal government launched in 2024, includes major investments in the North, such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, specialized maritime sensors, new tactical helicopters, a new satellite ground station in the Arctic, and Northern operational support hubs, in addition to a separate $38.6 billion investment in NORAD modernization.
Tariff threat:
The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the evolving tariff threat from the U.S., including on aluminum and steel and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs.
The premiers reflected on last week’s Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C., and shared takeaways from their meetings with U.S. partners. The overall sense is that the cap-in-hand approach to those meetings was probably not effective given the effort expended.
Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders agreed to continue their advocacy with U.S. partners to prevent the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, which threaten the well-being of families, workers, and businesses in Canada and the U.S. alike.
The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the progress being made to remove barriers to internal trade and labour mobility in Canada, which will make it easier to buy and sell Canadian goods within the country and help strengthen our economy. Team Canada is united in our commitment to protect Canadian jobs and defend Canada’s economic interests.
Fentanyl and border plan:
The Prime Minister updated the premiers on Canada’s fight against fentanyl and the continued implementation of Canada’s Border Plan since their last meeting on February 5.
These measures include listing seven criminal organizations as terrorist entities; launching new anti-money laundering measures; tackling fentanyl trafficking; modernizing the regulatory framework for banning precursors to prevent their illegal importation and use; establishing a joint Canada-U.S. task force on organized crime; issuing a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl; and ensuring 24/7 surveillance of the border by deploying helicopters, drones, and 10,000 border personnel.
Thanks to the premiers:
The Prime Minister thanked the premiers for their ongoing advocacy and emphasized that maintaining a united front will remain critical in the weeks ahead.
Today Premier of Prince Edward Island, Dennis King, announced his immediate intention to leave politics. The Prime Minister and the premiers expressed their gratitude for the leadership and service of the and wished him well in his future endeavours.
===== GOVERNMENT LINKS:
- Canada-United States relations
- Prime Minister announces the appointment of Canada’s new Fentanyl Czar
- Government of Canada announces its plan to strengthen border security and our immigration system
- Government of Canada expands plan to strengthen border security
- Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence
- First Ministers’ statement on the Canada-United States relationship
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship and economic prosperity
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA-USA