Two top Canadian ministers traveled to President-elect Trump’s residence in Florida on Thursday to discuss border security and trade as the inauguration day approaches.
New Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly will be in Palm Beach, Florida for the discussions this week, according to Jean-Sébastien Comeau, a spokesperson for LeBlanc, as reported by the Associated Press.
Comeau mentioned that LeBlanc and Joly will meet with Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar,” after Christmas to address Canada’s border security plan in an effort to avoid extensive tariffs.
The spokesperson stated that LeBlanc and Joly are eager to continue the conversations that occurred during the Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, as well as the positive call the Ministers had with Mr. Tom Homan earlier this month.
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US President Donald Trump (L) talks with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the plenary session of the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, northeast of London. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images)
Aside from border security, the Canadian officials aim to focus the discussions on fentanyl trafficking and the adverse effects of Trump’s tariffs on products.
“The Ministers intend to focus on Canada’s efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration and the measures outlined in Canada’s Border Plan, as well as the negative impacts that the imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods would have on both Canada and the United States,” added Comeau in a statement.
Trump has threatened to levy tariffs on Canadian imports upon taking office in January unless the country takes action to reduce migrant and fentanyl inflow into the U.S.
US President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting at Winfield House, London on Dec. 3, 2019. (Getty Images)
Trump’s comments about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media have been derogatory, referring to the ally as “Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada.”
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Canadian flag. ( Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Trump’s threats of tariffs on Canadian imports have caused concern in Canada, which has a significant economic relationship with the U.S.
About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports come from Canada.
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Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian – or $2.7 billion U.S. – worth of goods and services cross the border daily, making Canada the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump team for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
