The Canadian Press
Lauren Krugel
CALGARY–Federal Labour minister Patty Hajdu said it’s possible to forge a strong relationship with the new U.S. government while standing up for values that may be at odds with those of the Trump administration.
The abrupt turnaround in Canada-U.S. relations is dominating discussions as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the federal cabinet hold two-day retreat in Calgary.
Ministers sought to convey business-as-usual messages during yesterday’s session–downplaying concerns about the unpredictable new administration.
Trump adviser Stephen Schwarzman, a good friend of Foreign Affairs minister Chrystia Freeland, told Trudeau and ministers that Canada should not fear any reworking of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Hajdu, who had the Status of Women portfolio before being shuffled into her new role earlier this month, said Schwarzman’s attendance shows a fondness and affection for Canada and she believes the two countries can work well together.
But Hajdu also expressed support for the thousands of Canadians who took part in women’s marches over the weekend denoucing the new president.
“Canada stands firm in its values,” she said. “Having said that, we understand that other countries have different priorities and different focuses.
“This doesn’t mean we’re going to back away from our fundamental belief in gender equality.”
On Sunday, Trudeau tweeted his support for those who marched.
“Congratulations to the women and men across Canada who came out yesterday to support women’s rights. You keep your government inspired.”
Officials in Washington estimated at least 500,000 turned out for the march in the U.S. capital.
Roughly 600 Canadian travellers, most of them women, also made the overnight trek on chartered buses from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Windsor to join that march.
“People have a right to stand up and say that they’re disappointed in a policy and a perspective and an approach,” noted Hajdu.
“In Canada we believe in that right.”
