Randy Hoback’s Constituency Office. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Laskowski.
The Opposition critic for Canada-U.S. relations has some serious concerns about Canada’s ability to negotiate with incoming President Donald Trump.
Randy Hoback says thousands of jobs are at stake, from manufacturing to forestry.
He is critical of Trudeau for failing to put together a new softwood lumber agreement with the U.S. while President Obama was still in power.
“Well, the prime minister claimed he had this super wonderful bromance with President Obama, so why didn’t he cash in on that bromance to get a deal done for soft wood lumber producers?” he asked. “He chose not to do that, and I can’t understand why.”
Hoback says softwood lumber is just one of many trade deals Canada has with the United States. He says Trudeau has to be on his game, and has to be able to convince Trump of the value of a continued open border for trade.
He is not convinced Trudeau has what it takes to defend Canada’s interests.
“I think a scenario of Trump-Trudeau worries me,” he said. “You know, we have a prime minister that doesn’t necessarily understand the importance of having a strong business relationship with the president of the United States.”
Trump will be officially sworn in on Friday.