Trump ‘truly believes’ in free trade, key ally says
CHARLOTTETOWN •Akey ally of Donald Trump says Canadians should understand the U.S. president believes in free trade, and they shouldn’t read too much into what they hear.
Maine Governor Paul LePage, in Charlottetown for a meeting of Eastern Canadian premiers and New England governors, said he’s spoken to Trump on the subject, and he is confident any issues with NAFTA “can be fixed.”
“Don’t read in too much in what you sometimes hear. He really truly believes in having free trade and good, honest trade between the two countries. He really does believe that.”
Trump again suggested Sunday that the North American Free Trade Agreement should be terminated, tweeting that both Canada and Mexico are being “very difficult.”
It was the first time that Trump has complained about Canada’s role in the talks, which began earlier this month between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
But LePage, who campaigned several times with Trump, said Canada likely has little to worry about.
“I don’t really believe he’s concerned as much over Canada as much as maybe Mexico.”
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard also brushed aside Trump’s comment.
“I think what we have to recognize is that the negotiations are going forward. You will not hear me react to his daily tweets or statements. I don’t think that would be very productive,” Couillard said as he arrived in Charlottetown.
Couillard says the American governors he’s meeting with are eager to modernize and improve NAFTA.
“When we talk to governors, when business people talk to each other, the feeling is quite good and quite positive. Everybody recognizes that trade is beneficial for both Canada and the U.S.A.”
And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there was nothing new from Trump. “We have heard such comments before,” he said.
On Sunday, Robert Holleyman, former deputy trade czar under Barack Obama, wrote, “Mark my words. He will not pull out of NAFTA.”
LePage has also proposed that the leaders gathered in Charlottetown join together on another trade irritant: softwood lumber.
He wants them to write a letter supporting exemptions on duties for softwood lumber from Atlantic Canada and Quebec.
LePage said the pressure for the duties is coming from the U.S. lumber coalition.
He said the U.S. industry is being irresponsible and if new, hefty duties remain in place there will be collateral damage to economies on both sides of the border.