As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces mounting calls to resign and his government grapples with a looming trade war with the United States, Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai has taken a proactive approach by engaging with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump.
Over a meal of black bear spring rolls, turkey, deer, and oysters at a hunting lodge in North Carolina, Pillai sought to strengthen ties with Trump Jr., who shares a passion for hunting and has personal ties to the Yukon. Pillai used the meeting to highlight the deep historical connections between the Trumps and the region, referencing Donald Trump Sr.’s grandfather Friedrich Trump, who ran a business during the Yukon gold rush.
“I made sure that I brought him, Don, some clothing, because I wanted to remind him that the Trump family businesses were Yukon-built,” Pillai said, emphasizing the region’s significance in the Trump family legacy.
The discussions were not just symbolic. Pillai raised concerns about the U.S.-Canada trade deficit, explaining that it stems from Canada exporting raw materials to the U.S., which then generates jobs and value. He also advocated for stronger North American supply chains and highlighted the Yukon’s efforts in Arctic security and economic projects, including a joint U.S.-Canadian investment in a tungsten mining initiative.
Although Trump Jr. noted that he holds no official role in the incoming administration, Pillai acknowledged the presence of individuals connected to Trump’s transition team. The meeting underscores a broader push by Canadian provincial and territorial leaders to establish connections with Trump’s team before his inauguration on Jan. 20.
Back in Canada, the federal government has been criticized for its lack of a cohesive strategy to manage relations with the incoming administration. Pillai expressed disappointment over limited communication from Ottawa, particularly following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, which has left Trudeau’s government destabilized.
As tensions rise on multiple fronts, Pillai’s outreach to the Trumps reflects a regional effort to secure economic stability and influence amidst uncertain federal leadership.