Trudeau in Philadelphia to push ‘Team Canada’ charm offensive

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia Tuesday 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.

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.

He spoke to a receptive crowd for about 25 minutes, highlighting the close ties between the two countries while also taking time to tout some of his government’s policies, including legislation that bans the use of replacement workers during a strike, and a bill that will provide free access to contraceptives.

“At this moment of global crises and deep uncertainty, Canada and the United States know that we can count on each other,” Trudeau said.

“Today more than ever, we should remind ourselves of how priceless a partnership like ours is.”

Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage in the afternoon at the convention before Trudeau.

Americans are headed toward a pivotal presidential election for both countries.

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

He 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