Trudeau in Philadelphia for visit as possible Trump presidency looms over bilateral relations

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new «Team Canada» charm offensive in the United States.

Officially, he is in Pennsylvania after accepting an invitation to speak at the Service Employees International Union quadrennial North American convention.

But the trip comes five months after Trudeau dispatched his industry and international trade ministers to lead the new trade strategy with American business leaders, labour unions and state and municipal governments.

The plan comes as Americans are headed toward a pivotal presidential election for both countries.

A potential return to the White House by Donald Trump brings memories of the difficult bilateral relationship during his first term.

Trump has already promised to introduce a 10 per cent flat import tax on all countries if he wins a second time.

In January, Trudeau acknowledged a second Trump presidency isn't on Canada's wish list.

«It wasn't easy the first time and if there's a second time, it won't be easy, either,» he said in a speech in Montreal.

He noted in that same speech that he spent a lot of time during Trump's presidency meeting with U.S. state governors to remind them how much they depend on Canada.

One week later, he launched what was described in a press release as the renewed «Team Canada strategy on engagement with the United States.»

Canada, U.S. trade

It's a similar strategy to the one employed during the Trump presidency, when Ottawa avoided taking on Trump directly as much as possible and instead looked to the businesses and state governments that were more open to discussions.

The bilateral relationship during President Joe Biden's term has been friendlier, though not