At a fundraising event, U.S. Vice-President JD Vance shared his views on the recent trade deal with Canada, commenting on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach in comparison to President Donald Trump. Vance praised his friend, Conservative MP Jamil Jivani, for supporting Canada during negotiations.
During the private event in Southampton, N.Y., Vance described Carney as a “very sweet guy” and highlighted the difference in tactics, stating that Carney attempted to appear tougher than Trump. Vance humorously pointed out that despite Carney’s stance, Canada made concessions on several issues.
Vance credited Jivani, a lesser-known Conservative MP, for effectively advocating for Canada behind the scenes. He contrasted Jivani with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whom he referred to as a “non-entity” in the trade negotiations.
The Vice-President emphasized the importance of changing Canada’s behavior in the trade deal, indicating a shift towards a more Trump-like approach by Canada. He underscored that negotiations were led by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with involvement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, alongside his close ties with Jivani.
Vance highlighted Jivani’s discreet involvement in negotiations, mentioning his positive role in advocating for mutual benefits, particularly regarding energy and automobile tariffs. The Vice-President praised Jivani as a valuable ally and highlighted their longstanding friendship, emphasizing Jivani’s commitment to Canada’s success.
Jivani’s efforts have caused internal disagreements within the Canadian Conservative Party, with Poilievre advocating for tariff-free agreements with the U.S. Despite tensions, Jivani’s proactive engagement with the Trump administration has been a focal point, showcasing his dedication to facilitating beneficial trade deals for Canada.