Are relations between Canada and the United States warming after 10 years of Conservative rule?
Monday’s announcement that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will meet U.S. President Barack Obama on March 10 marks the first time a Canadian leader has been accorded a White House state dinner since then-prime minister Jean Chretien met then-president Bill Clinton 19 years ago.
There will be much on the table in March.
The summit comes just before the end of the parliamentary mandate for Canada’s participation in the U.S.-led bombing campaign against Islamic militants in Iraq and Syria.
Trudeau has said Canada will remain a participant in the fight against the militants but has not been specific.
Another key issue will be the future of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, something Mr. Obama fully supports.
Canada agreed to the landmark trade package during the Canadian election last fall. It has not yet been ratified, and Mr. Trudeau has given no indication of when that might happen.
Other issues include finding ways to advance co-operation on issues such as energy and climate change, security and the economic relationship.
This will be the second meeting between the two men. They held held brief talks on the sidelines of the APEC summit in the Philippines in November.
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