Trudeau must stand up for Canadians in meeting with Trump

OTTAWA – New Democrats are urging Prime Minister Trudeau to stand up for Canadians' values and priorities in his meeting with U.S. President Trump later today.

“Prime Minister Trudeau must take this opportunity to tell Mr. Trump the truth that Canadians are opposed to his policies that turn away immigrants and refugees based on their religion,” said Hélène Laverdière, NDP Critic for Foreign Affairs. “It is always the job of the Prime Minister of Canada to stand up for human rights on the world stage and that still applies when speaking to allies.”

Yesterday, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and the NDP Critic for Refugees and Immigration Jenny Kwan wrote to the Prime Minister to insist that Mr. Trudeau make it clear to Mr. Trump that turning away Canadians at the border based on their religion or opinions of the President is completely unacceptable.

"Canadians need a guarantee that they will not face discrimination at our borders," wrote Mulcair and Kwan in the letter. "As Prime Minister, you represent the views and interest of Canadians on the world stage. Canadians are resoundingly opposed to Mr. Trump’s travel ban and you are therefore duty-bound to express Canada’s opposition to these policies."

The NDP is also calling on the Liberal government to come clean on their intentions on trade issues. Since the election of Donald Trump, the Liberals have opened the door to renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement without indicating what the government is willing to put on the table.

“The Prime Minister needs to stand up for Canadian jobs and make it clear that Canadians are looking for a better deal on NAFTA and won’t sacrifice protections for softwood lumber or supply management,” added Tracey Ramsey, NDP Critic for Trade. “Millions of U.S. jobs also depend on trade with Canada – we should stand strong in defending our industries.”

View full text of letter here: http://www.ndp.ca/sites/default/files/letter_to_the_prime_minister_on_his_meeting_with_president_trump.pdf