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MEANWHILE IN AMERICA — Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU couldn’t have picked a friendlier audience for a big U.S. speech than the one he found himself in front of Tuesday.
He did not mention the word “Conservatives” once. — The occasion: Trudeau’s address at the Service Employees International Union’s convention in Philadelphia offered the PM an opportunity to roll up his shirt sleeves, to advocate for workers’ rights — and to remember what applause from thousands of people sounds like. “It's pretty safe to say that's never happened before,” said SEIU President APRIL VERRETT when she introduced Trudeau as the first Canadian leader to walk their stage. — Among friends: The SEIU represents 2 million members internationally, including roughly 100,000 members in Canada — a majority of whom are health care workers. The union is also affiliated with the Canadian Labor Congress, whose President BEA BRUSKE has made it no secret she’s not a fan of Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE, calling him a “fraud” when it comes to advocacy for the working class. Bruske told Playbook the CLC played no role in getting Trudeau an invite to speak. “We are encouraged to see federal party leaders attend union conferences and events,” Bruske said in an email. “But words and empty promises are not enough, workers are looking for concrete actions.” — Applause lines: Trudeau received a round of claps for acknowledging that the world is in “a really difficult place” right now. “The fight for progress has been very long, but it must never stop,” he said, prompting the crowd to cheer the progressive truism. — Talking about polls at home, maybe: “It's understandable that people say they want change,” said Trudeau, who has not been able to shake his low popularity. “But like all moments in history, the question can't simply be about whether people want change or not — it's what kind of change they want, what kind of change they need.” — Translation: Let's talk about change that doesn't require me to pack up my office. — ‘Team Canada’ tracker: Trudeau’s Philly pit stop marks the first time he’s travelled to the states since announcing his government’s pre-U.S. election charm offensive in January. — The other objective of his big union speech: To remind a key swing state of Canada’s relevance in case DONALD TRUMP returns to the White House. It's dual purpose messaging that also works should President JOE BIDEN and the Democrats’ protectionist agenda stick around. “Roughly 80 percent of Canadian goods exported to the U.S. are incorporated directly into U.S. supply chains,” Trudeau told SEIU members before tailoring his message to his local audience. “Right here in the state of Pennsylvania, they export more to Canada than to their next four largest foreign markets combined — that’s how connected we are.” The statistic was met with light applause. — Making that jet fuel count: Trudeau’s schedule aligned for a sit-down meeting with U.S. VP KAMALA HARRIS. They covered the situation in Haiti, cooperation in both the Arctic and Ukraine, according to a readout from the veep’s office sent three hours after the meeting. The PM also got time with Democratic Pennsylvania Gov. JOSH SHAPIRO. Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. KIRSTEN HILLMAN and Canada’s Consul General in New York, TOM CLARK, got time to check in with the big boss. The occasion brought U.S. Ambassador to Canada DAVID COHEN back to Philly, where he once served as chief of staff to former mayor ED RENDELL. Cohen did not hitch a ride on the PM’s plane from Ottawa to Philadelphia. While Trudeau spent time with Democrat allies like Harris and Shapiro, senior members of his team are working on inroads with Trumpworld. Last month, Hillman and Industry Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE dined with ex-Trump officials in Washington. On Thursday, another member of “Team Canada” will head to Texas to continue the outreach. — First in Playbook: International Trade Minister MARY NG’s office confirms she will meet with Republican Gov. GREG ABBOTT in Texas tomorrow. | 
