William Dickerson 
In this news, we discuss the Prime Minister Trudeau sees ‘new era’ in Canada-U.S. Relations ahead of first call with Biden
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OTTAWA (Reuters) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau highlighted the common ground Canada and the United States share ahead of his first phone call with US President Joe Biden later Friday, adding that it was the start of a “new era” for both countries.
Trudeau, who has been keen to embrace the new president and turn the page on Donald Trump’s often tumultuous years, will be the first foreign leader to speak to Biden since Wednesday’s inauguration.
“We are ready to work side by side (with the United States) to defeat COVID-19 and rebuild economies that benefit everyone,” Trudeau told reporters.
“There will certainly be challenges… We are now entering a new era of Canada-US friendship and work,” he said.
Biden’s demolition of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the United States on the first day of his tenure on Wednesday threatened to derail Trudeau’s efforts.
Pipeline builder TC Energy Corp has said it will cut more than 1,000 construction jobs in the coming weeks due to the cancellation. Trudeau said on Friday he would speak to Biden about his concerns about the job losses.
“I will express my concern for jobs and livelihoods in Canada, especially in the West, directly in my conversation with President Biden,” Trudeau said.
But Trudeau also listed a number of areas where the two countries can see better cooperation, including on creating new jobs, tackling climate change and defeating COVID-19.
“We’re much more aligned with values, with focus, with the work that needs to be done to provide opportunities for all as we build a better future,” Trudeau said.
Reporting by Steve Scherer and David Ljunggren; Edited by Gareth Jones
Original © Thomson Reuters
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