Canadian Conservatives Head South for Trade Diplomacy
Conservative MP Jamil Jivani was back in Washington on Wednesday, joining a small delegation of Tory colleagues for talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer — a signal that Canadian politicians on both sides of the aisle are treating the Canada-U.S. trade file as one of the most urgent files of the year.
The meeting also brought together Canadian business interests, making it part political, part economic — the kind of cross-sector engagement that trade experts say is increasingly necessary as tariff threats and supply chain tensions continue to reshape the North American economic relationship.
Why This Trip Matters
Jamieson Greer, as the U.S. Trade Representative, is the point person for American trade policy and the architect of any deal — or dispute — that comes down the pipe between Washington and Ottawa. Getting face time with his office isn't just a photo op. It's where the real groundwork for negotiations happens.
For Jivani, who has emerged as one of the more active Conservative voices on Canada-U.S. relations, the return visit suggests these conversations are ongoing, not one-and-done. Trade negotiations rarely move quickly, and consistent engagement with American officials is how countries stay in the room when decisions get made.
Canadian Business on the Line
The inclusion of Canadian business interests in the Washington meetings reflects just how much is at stake for Canadian industries. From steel and aluminum to agriculture and automotive, the sectors most exposed to U.S. tariff policy have been watching the political back-and-forth anxiously.
Businesses with cross-border supply chains in particular have been caught in the uncertainty — not knowing whether to lock in contracts, shift suppliers, or hold tight. Having MPs making the case directly to American trade officials gives those industries at least some confidence that their concerns are being heard at the highest level.
A Broader Conservative Push
Jivani wasn't alone on this trip — he was joined by a handful of Tory colleagues, which suggests this is part of a coordinated Conservative caucus strategy to engage Washington directly rather than waiting for the government to carry all the diplomatic weight.
It's a strategy that has become more common in recent years, with opposition MPs and senators from multiple countries seeking direct access to foreign officials to make their case on trade, defence, and other bilateral issues. Whether it moves the needle on actual policy is debatable, but it keeps the dialogue multi-dimensional rather than purely government-to-government.
What Comes Next
Trade watchers will be looking for any signals from Greer's office about where CUSMA — the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement — stands and whether any renegotiation or tariff carve-outs are on the table. Canada has been pushing hard to protect key sectors, and every meeting at this level is another data point in that effort.
For now, the Conservatives are making clear they want a seat at the table — even if that table is in Washington.
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