Quebec Premier François Legault’s visit to Washington, D.C., focuses on addressing challenges from Donald Trump’s tariff policies, lacking direct engagement with U.S. officials unlike Ontario’s Doug Ford. Scheduled meetings include discussions with influential lobbyists from the National Association of Home Builders and key figures from the aluminum sector. While Ford is actively meeting U.S. politicians, Legault plans to connect with American representatives in the days following his initial visit.
WASHINGTON – In stark contrast to Ontario’s Doug Ford, Quebec Premier François Legault will not be engaging with any American elected officials during his visit to the U.S. capital on Tuesday. This trip is primarily aimed at addressing the challenges posed by Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
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Key Meetings on the Agenda
During his visit, Premier Legault is scheduled to meet with Ken Wingert, the head of public affairs at the National Association of Home Builders, along with his senior director for federal affairs, Alex Strong. This meeting, set for the early afternoon, is facilitated by Quebec’s delegate in Washington, Benjamin Bélair.
Influential Figures in Washington
The Prime Minister’s office highlights that Wingert is regarded as one of the top lobbyists, as noted by The Hill. He has also earned recognition from Washingtonian Magazine as one of the “500 most influential people in Washington shaping public policy.”
This meeting with the National Association of Home Builders is particularly relevant as President Trump has been vocal about the U.S. not needing Canadian lumber or other resources. Just recently, Trump formalized a decree imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, set to take effect on March 12, according to leaked reports.
In light of these developments, Legault’s team has also invited key figures from the aluminum sector, including Chuck Johnson, president of The Aluminum Association, and Jean Simard, CEO of the Aluminum Association of Canada, along with executives from Rio Tinto in the U.S.
With several transportation projects underway in Quebec, Premier Legault will engage with John L. Cohen, the vice president of public affairs at Alstom Transport in the U.S., and his Canadian counterpart, Olivier Marcil, also from Alstom Canada, during his time at the Quebec Delegation in Washington.
Legault is expected to address journalists around 5:15 PM at the same venue.
Ford’s Engaging Schedule
Meanwhile, Doug Ford is busy engaging with multiple American elected officials as he prepares for a meeting of Canadian provincial premiers, which he will chair. His itinerary includes a reception co-hosted with Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, known for his skepticism regarding climate change.
Ford’s office confirmed that after his speech at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, he will meet with Republican Representative Lisa McCain from Michigan and Rob Wittman, a representative from Virginia.
Later that evening, Doug Ford is set to appear on NBC’s “Stay Tuned In,” airing at 8 PM.
In contrast, Premier Legault’s schedule does not include similar engagements on Tuesday. His office stresses that this mission was primarily organized by the Council of the Federation, with plans for Legault to return to Washington for further discussions with American officials in the upcoming weeks.
Upon his arrival at the Quebec delegation, Legault reassured reporters that meetings with American elected officials are indeed planned for Wednesday, emphasizing that he will engage with both Democratic and Republican representatives. This comes as Canadian provincial premiers are set to convene at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel to address tariff threats and hold discussions.