TRUMP-PROOFING 101 — As Republicans whip themselves into a frenzy in Milwaukee, the first ministers are preparing for DONALD TRUMP 2.0. During two days of private meetings in Halifax, premiers talked over the prospect of Trump's return — and they hope Ottawa is listening. The message for JUSTIN TRUDEAU: Spend more on defense, ASAP. Take Manitoba's WAB KINEW, Yukon's RANJ PILLAI and Alberta's DANIELLE SMITH. In one-on-one conversations with POLITICO, both spoke at length about how to safeguard the cross-border relationship in case a certain bombastic new-old tenant takes back the White House. — About that 2 percent: Ottawa last week committed to meeting NATO's spending target by 2032. Kinew wants that timeline cut in half, insisting that a new administration will quickly lose patience with Canadians who don't pony up. It's an unusual stance for a New Democrat. Kinew's federal cousins don’t typically prioritize defense. But Kinew isn't JAGMEET SINGH. He says the issue of military spending could muddy the USMCA review — scheduled for 2026, but a conversation Kinew says could unofficially start the day after inauguration, if Trump is elected. Better safe than sorry, in other words. "Canada needs a plan to get to that 2 percent within that first four-year term," he tells Playbook. "Otherwise, it is going to be a trade irritant. The conversations will be linked." — Last night in Milwaukee: “No more free rides,” Vance told the Republican National Convention. “Together, we will make sure our allies share in the burden of securing world peace.” — Back to Halifax: Smith noted the cross-partisan consensus among premiers on meeting NATO's target, which she called “the price of admission” for Washington's respect. "It's encouraging to me that regardless of whether it was a northern territory, or one of the border provinces, or whether it was an NDP premier or a conservative one, everyone realizes that the world's a dangerous place," Smith tells Playbook. — Mineral trade: Kinew says critical minerals offer a rare point of agreement between Democrats, who prioritize batteries for a low-carbon economy, and Republicans, who focus on defense applications. Kinew sees trade opportunities everywhere. "We bill ourselves as a Costco of critical minerals," he says of Manitoba, beneath which he adds almost every listed mineral is available for extraction. → Setting up shop: The premier led a robust trade mission to Washington earlier this year. Two of his Cabinet ministers joined the trip, alongside a 10-member business and jobs council and former premier and U.S. ambo GARY DOER. Several provinces have opened mini-embassies in the U.S. capital, tasking envoys with advancing their interests — and are opening satellite offices elsewhere south of the border. Asked if Manitoba is considering a brick-and-mortar presence south of the border, Kinew said the province is weighing its options. "We've got to do what some of our neighbors are doing, which is to go out and sing for your supper and bring the economic activity home," he says. "Do we want it to be a D.C. presence and more of a political thing? Or do we want to go to other regions in the states and have a more business development-oriented conversation?" → What's next: Western premiers are considering a joint delegation to Washington where Kinew will reinforce his own commitment to an expedited defense spending plan. — Northern Trump whisperer: In his one-on-one with Playbook, Pillai emphasized his relationship with Alaska Gov. MIKE DUNLEAVY — an early endorser of Trump's second presidential bid and key contact should the former president win back his old job. "He is a fierce proponent of Donald Trump. It's been enlightening to understand his view of U.S. politics," Pillai says, calling Dunleavy a friend who also enjoys hunting. → Border banter: Pillai flagged immigration as a Trump priority to watch, especially as it relates to the invisible line that separates Canada and the U.S. "If there's a change [in government], there's likely going to be some significant policy changes when it comes to the border in the U.S.," Pillai says. "What does that mean for Canada?" → Team Canada talks: Pillai feeds his Yukoner's eye view to the point-people on the cross-border relationship in Ottawa and Washington. The premier recently traded notes with Industry Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE and Trade Minister MARY NG on the sidelines of the BMO-Eurasia Group U.S.-Canada Summit. Ambo KIRSTEN HILLMAN was also in the room. Pillai includes himself in a growing group of Canadian leaders who have inroads with key Americans: "We understand the priorities and we have folks that we can work with."
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