Economy, Trump hot topics at Liberal cabinet retreat in Calgary

The economy will be on the top of the agenda for the prime minister, as meetings at his cabinet retreat kick off in downtown Calgary Monday.

The meeting’s location was chosen to show how important the west is to Justin Trudeau’s government.

Trudeau will also catch everyone up on plans to talk with new U.S. President Donald Trump.

Canada’s newly appointed trade minister doesn’t appear to be worried about how the new American administration will impact Canada’s energy sector.

However, Francois Phillippe Champagne said he’ll want to make sure Canada comes first in any talks.

“Whatever measures you’re thinking about putting (in place), you have to look at ‘what’s the impact?’ And you know, it’s in our best interest on both sides of the border to have free trade between our nations — to make sure these good middle class jobs can continue because we’re both benefitting,” he said.

Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., David McNaughton, says Canada is hoping to maintain its successful relationship with the United States.

McNaughton believes much of the American criticism surrounding NAFTA is focused on Mexico.

He’s been working overtime talking to Canadian business leaders worried about rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C.

“One of the things we want to make sure of is that we have more free movement of labour and goods. We want to maintain the really successful commercial relationship with the United States,” he said.

“It’s been mutually beneficial, and I think that’s our emphasis.”

The ambassador says they’re working on setting up a meeting between the new President Donald Trump and Trudeau, but did not provide any details.

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