Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development is not concerned about the incoming Trump administration and its policies on foreign trade.
Trump has promised a 'made in America' approach but Minister Navdeep Bains says many U.S. jurisdictions have a stake in maintaining a healthy trade relationship with their neighbour to the north. "There are 35, 35 states in the U.S. whose number one customer is Canada, and there are 13 additional states where their top three customer is Canada. This is a mutually beneficial relationship and we'll talk about that as well, the benefits of both Canada and the U.S."
"We obviously will engage the new administration we'll work with the new Congress and Senate as well" says Bains. "We are very much mindful of the issues around the economy, particularly around the auto sector."
Bains was in Windsor on Tuesday for a funding announcement at the Nemak plant which makes engine blocks of the automotive industry.
Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains at Nemak in Windsor (photo by AM800's Peter Langille)