Ontario’s Energy Minister is back from a recent visit to Washington.
Stephen Lecce joined with Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli to meet with congressional and business leaders regarding the potential of new U.S. tariffs being levied against Canada’s businesses and industry.
They also had a rare gathering with the new Secretary of the Treasury and the U.S. government’s energy leadership team.
Lecce says they appealed to the Republican’s national security desires.
“Canada is and remains a democratic ally and their closest trading partner with half a trillion dollars of trade. They depend on it. Nine million Americans who woke up today depending on this relationship,” says Lecce.
Lecce says Canada gives the U.S. preferential access to resources in which a domestic supply does not exist.
“Where they’re going to need uranium and potash, the choices are Canada or Saskatchewan or enabling and financing Vladimir Putin. In a world where we need petroleum choices, Canada and Ontario or Saskatchewan or it’s Venezuela, and enabling the human rights abusing regimes there.”
“I think reaffirming the national security intersection with energy security really does appeal to our audience. There are two choices before our American friends. It’s partnering with Democratic Canada or financing and enabling dictators around the world.”
Lecce feels it was a message that resonated with Americans they spoke with.
A similar message is expected to be delivered by Canada’s premiers when they travel to Washington in February.
