Trudeau to deliver speech at international union convention in Philadelphia

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to promote Canada’s trade relationship with the United States in a speech to one of the biggest unions in North America next week.

Trudeau’s office says he was invited to speak at the Service Employees International Union quadrennial North American convention on May 21.

The speech comes as Canada is bracing for the possibility of a second presidency for Donald Trump, who has already threatened to slap a 10 per cent tariff on all imports including from Canada.

The SEIU has endorsed President Joe Biden in the race.

It has more than two million members, including some in Canada, representing a broad range of workers in multiple service jobs including health care, restaurants, security, schools and airports.

While in Philadelphia, Trudeau is also expected to meet with U.S. business leaders.

Pennsylvania is one of Canada’s most critical trade relationships in the U.S., with two-way trade in excess of $27 billion in 2023.

Fossil fuels, metals, pharmaceuticals and food products, including chocolate, are among the biggest imports and exports on both sides.

Canadian companies employ more than 25,000 workers in Pennsylvania.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2024.

The Canadian Press