Move forward on U.S./Canada policy with caution, says former Ambassador MacNaughton

David MacNaughton, who served as Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S from 2016 to 2019, says that while the Canada-U.S. leadership relationship is much improved under President Joe Biden, Canada still needs to proceed with caution.

Yes, President Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have kicked off their relationship with friendly words of warmth and a shared vision for climate protection, but MacNaughton says that ultimately, Canada needs to stay on top of its diplomatic game.

“Good words and good intentions don’t always lead to good deeds,” he says.

Of particular caution he says, are the coming carbon economy and climate change initiatives. A positive relationship is a welcome change, yes, but America will still do what’s in its best interest. MacNaughton says it will be key that climate initiatives be science-based, and aren’t just protectionism cloaked in climate action.

He adds that it will be important that Canadian politicians and diplomats remind the U.S. of our integrated economies, and that our two countries can create policies of mutual benefit, especially around trade.

Hear the full interview from RealAg Radio, here: 

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