Expect better for Canada from Joe Biden
Trump era of hostility and abuse is over, says Wyatt James Schierman.
Following his Wednesday inauguration, part of Joe Biden's presidential mandate is improving relations with some of the U.S.'S closest friends and allies, many of whom were vilified by Donald Trump and his dutiful minions.
Chief among those that routinely faced the former president's wrath was Canada. For the past four years, Canadian officials have often been the scapegoat of choice for Trump's gang.
Trump squandered decades of goodwill between the two countries by bullying and intimidating Canadian trade officials during the NAFTA renegotiations. Later, he levied harmful tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel imports. At one point, he even referred to Canada as a “national security threat.”
Unfortunately for Canadians, Trump's hostility and belligerence did not end there. America's 45th president also suggested that Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou (facilitated by a U.s.-canada extradition request) was motivated more by political strategizing than respect for the rule of law.
Not only has this extradition request (and Trump's subsequent comments) damaged Canada's relationship with China, it has compromised the lives of the two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who waste away in Chinese prison cells as retribution for Meng's arrest.
The man tasked with negotiating with Trump these past four years has been Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While defending Canadian interests, Trudeau has endured any number of personal insults from Trump, including being called “twofaced,” “meek and mild” and a “dishonest and weak” leader. With such a breakdown in personal relations, there was never much hope for bilateral progress.
However, with Biden back in the White House, this time as president, Canada-u. S. relations have a real opportunity for a reset. So far, Biden and Trudeau appear well-suited to the task.
Both Biden and Trudeau are amiable, liberal-minded centrists, committed more to limited, progressive change than to enacting whole-system transformation — even when necessary.
They also have already established a friendly rapport with one another, dating back to when Biden was Barack Obama's vice-president, with each possessing a deep knowledge and appreciation for the other's country.
Trudeau was the first world leader to telephone and congratulate Biden upon hearing news of his victory over Trump. It appears to be the beginning of a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship; one reminiscent of relations between previous presidents and prime ministers, where real progress was made on several bilateral files.
Take, for instance, Canada's Louis St-laurent and the U.S.'S Dwight Eisenhower, two golfing pals who came together in 1957 to begin building the St. Lawrence Seaway. Or Gerald Ford and Justin's father, Pierre Trudeau, two friends and fellow skiing enthusiasts, who together ensured Canada's acceptance into the G7.
Who could forget the camaraderie of Canada's Joe Clark with America's Jimmy Carter? While only in office together a short time, the two gentlemen developed a close friendship; one which only warmed after the Clark government helped shelter and rescue American diplomats in Tehran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, much to the gratitude of Carter, and indeed, all Americans. Of course, warm personal relations are not always necessary to make advancements on bilateral issues.
Lester Pearson, Canada's 14th prime minister, spoke out against America's involvement in the Vietnam War and quite literally received a shakedown from U.S. president Lyndon Johnson. Still, the two were able to work together effectively enough to ensure passage of the Canada-u.s. Auto Pact.
The Trudeau-biden relationship will face its first challenge this week: there are reports that the incoming president will cancel the Keystone XL pipeline extension immediately on taking office. Trudeau has long supported the project. Regardless, though, of specific disagreements, Canada-u. S. progress is undoubtedly facilitated through personal friendship — friendship which Biden and Trudeau clearly have and will continue to nurture, much to the benefit of their respective citizenry. With Biden in the White House, Canadians and Americans alike can look forward to the renewal of good relations and the likelihood of bilateral progress — rather than insults — between their two countries.