A ‘President Trump’ would endanger world, Wynne says
During trip to Washington, premier says GOP candidate’s divisive talk ‘destabilizing’
WASHINGTON— Donald Trump is a danger to Canada and the world, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said in Washington on Thursday in an unusual foray into a foreign election.
“I think that a candidate for the presidency of the United States who is intent on being divisive, who is intent on ignoring the realities of the global economy, and doesn’t see the benefit of an inclusive, pluralistic society — I think it’s very dangerous for Canada, and I think it’s dangerous for the world,” Wynne said in an interview at the Canadian embassy.
A Trump presidency would be “destabilizing for the continent,” she said, “but it would go well beyond the continent.”
It is uncommon for premiers to criticize candidates in other countries, especially during visits there. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to respond directly to a flurry of Trump-related queries during an official visit to Washington in March, saying repeatedly that he had faith in the American electorate.
Wynne, also a Liberal, did not utter the Republican nominee’s name. But she portrayed him as an ignoramus on the economy and a malice in his approach to Muslims.
“I think anyone who pretends that unrealistic protectionism is going to be helpful to any of us doesn’t understand the realities of the 21st century,” she said when asked about his vow to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement.
She added: “Pretending we can separate ourselves from each other, it’s just not realistic.”
Trump has offered a steady stream of anti-Muslim rhetoric and policy. Among his signature policies is a “temporary” ban on all foreign Muslims entering the country.
“That kind of rhetoric that is, again, so divisive, and so out of touch I think with the reality of our combined population. And it really is a very different tone than we’ve heard before in American elections,” Wynne said.
Wynne met Thursday with highprofile Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a vocal Trump critic who is reportedly being vetted by Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton as a possible vicepresidential pick.
Wynne declined to endorse Clinton, but she has left no doubt about her preference.
Apresident who “understands how the world works,” and works toward global co-operation, “is going to advance the cause both of the United States and the world much better than dividing and creating hostility,” she said.
Wynne said the focus of the visit was to “reconfirm how important our trade relationship is.”
She gave a speech, closed to the media, at an embassy luncheon on innovation and climate change.