| | | | |  | | By Mike Blanchfield, Mickey Djuric, Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Sue Allan | Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Ottawa Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Ottawa Playbook. In today's edition, some timely advice: → ERIN O’TOOLE: "Let's stop talking in public." → JEAN CHAREST: "Unite and rise to this historic occasion." → ANDREW CARDOZO: "Pull up your socks, stand up straight and speak clearly." |  | DRIVING THE DAY | | | | 
“We’ll never be the 51st state," Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in reply to President-elect Donald Trump. | The Canadian Press | IS HE OBSESSED WITH US? — That is a serious question in light of DONALD TRUMP’s “51st state” and “Governor” Trudeau fixation. Not to mention those 25 percent tariffs. — Who speaks for Canada? More often than not these days, it's unclear. Ontario’s DOUG FORD is emerging as a new Captain Canada, unveiling a threat to halt electricity exports to 1.5 million Americans — and appearing frequently on U.S. cable TV. In response to Trump’s latest musings, Ford said, “We’ll never be the 51st state. We’re Canada. We’re proud to be Canadians. We’ll always fight for that.” Ford has popped up on Fox News in recent days, and on Tuesday night joined CNN's ERIN BURNETT for a five-minute check-in. “I want to sell more electricity, more power to our U.S. friends and closest allies in the world. But that’s a tool that we have in our toolbox,” Ford told Burnett. “We ship down 4.3 million barrels [of oil] every single day. If there was a tariff on that, that would increase gas by $1 a gallon. That wouldn’t go over very well.” For the record, Alberta Premier DANIELLE SMITH has also become a familiar face to Fox viewers — typically playing good cop in promoting oil and gas exports. — Ottawa calling? Playbook stopped in at Canada's embassy in Washington on Tuesday for a wide-ranging roundtable with DAVID PATERSON, Ford's top envoy in D.C. We asked if Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU would be smart to make Canada's case on Fox News — a network that reaches people who matter in the U.S. (REGAN WATTS offered similar advice in a Playbook that followed Trump's tariff threat.) Paterson demurred on the PM, but identified Canada's new finance minister, who also has responsibility for the border and intergovernmental affairs, as the man for the job. “DOMINIC LEBLANC would be excellent to be in that role,” he told us. LeBlanc attended that hastily organized November dinner at Mar-a-Lago. Paterson has sat on his deck in New Brunswick and "can attest" to the minister's "affinity for cigars." "He is one of those remarkable people that is fun, people get along with them, but he's also a really sharp public policy mind and a problem solver," Paterson said. "Everybody carries their own persona and value and baggage and expertise and all that mix of things. It's a strategic decision that governments have to make." — A credible voice: Sen. PETER BOEHM, a former G7 sherpa and longtime diplomat, told Playbook that LeBlanc can stitch together disparate parts of the federation. “He is an astute politician, highly capable and clearly has the ear and friendship of the prime minister," he said. "His good relations with the premiers, and voice, will be very helpful in the context of developing a coordinated, coherent approach to dealing with the incoming Trump administration.” — Separately, together: Playbook asked Paterson about how Ford's retaliatory threat paired with Ottawa's approach so far — hinting at federal prep for retaliation but not leveling specific threats. Is it possible the approaches were complementary? "There's some things that are maybe easier for us to say than others to say, but they need to be said because there's a really important audience here, south of the border, that needs to hear it," Paterson said. "But they don't need to hear rhetoric, and they don't certainly want to just hear a bunch of bickering. We need action, not excuses." — Pod thoughts: In an episode out this morning, former Conservative Leader ERIN O'TOOLE got into cross-border comms with the Public Policy Forum's “WONK” podcast. O'Toole counseled everybody to take conversations behind closed doors. "My advice to all politicians, including ones I have great respect for, including Doug Ford: Let's stop talking in public about what we're going to do vis-à-vis the United States. Let's not have any more silly mentions of the War of 1812. Let's not talk about holding back energy. Let's not talk about fighting. Let's deal with the issues that we actually have to deal with: the border, energy, the Arctic, our defense spending." — For the record: CAROL OFF writes in the Star that there was no better person than CHRYSTIA FREELAND to make sense of Trump: “Freeland can smell an autocrat from a mile away: she’s studied them for decades. She knows what they have for breakfast — it’s us.” | | | TRUMPQUAKE | | |
ANOTHER ONE — Before the sun came up on Wednesday, President-elect DONALD TRUMP once again mused about annexing Canada on Truth Social. Trump called it “a great idea” as he puzzled over his country’s trade deficit.
"It's like he doesn't understand capitalism," said writer JAMES SUROWIECKI. As ever, the question was: Who in Canada would indulge the incoming POTUS? — Alberta answers the call: Premier DANIELLE SMITH responded on X. “The reason for this is because Canada (especially Alberta) sends billions of raw materials (oil, gas, minerals, grain, livestock, timber, etc) to your U.S. refineries and factories which your great American companies and workers upgrade and sell around the world, including back to Canada (we are your biggest customer by a mile)." — JEAN CHAREST’s take: The former Quebec premier once joked about Trump's apparent fixation on his northern neighbor. Not anymore. “Every Canadian, regardless of their opinion of the Prime Minister or political affiliation, should feel deeply offended by President Trump's remarks. We might one day be grateful for this WAKE-UP CALL. For too long, we have been complacent in our relationships with the United States and the rest of the world. We need to unite and rise to this historic occasion to shape the future of Canada.” — A diplomat's view: Playbook asked LOUISE BLAIS, a former UN ambassador, for her take on Trump's latest. "He perceives the weakness of our government, and has noted the activism by premiers to compensate for the lack of leadership. He dislikes Trudeau and sadly, he has also sensed our general Canadian discontent and is tapping into it," Blais told us. "His actions are not accidental nor are they harmless. I would not dismiss this as a joke or mere negotiation tactics. Yes, he is pre-selling the tariffs to Americans, but he is also looking to see what happens if he shakes our national will to its core." — Meanwhile, south of the border: The president's son, ERIC, got in on his dad's trolling: “51st State! #Canada” — Outsiders cheering for PM’s demise: ELON MUSK, ROB SCHNEIDER. — In related reading: ALEX PANETTA of CBC News reports on Trump’s victory dance over Canada border moves. | | | | You read POLITICO for trusted reporting. Now follow every twist of the lame duck session with Inside Congress. We track the committee meetings, hallway conversations, and leadership signals that show where crucial year-end deals are heading. Subscribe now. | | | | | | | Talk of the town | |
LOST CONTROL — The Prime Minister’s Office is known to be a tightly controlled ship. This week, suddenly it was not.
— Coming unglued: The mayhem reached a crescendo Monday after Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU and his office were blindsided by CHRYSTIA FREELAND’s resignation. Freeland decided she didn’t want to accept a new Cabinet job related to Canada-U.S. relations, two government officials who were granted anonymity tell Playbook. The PMO has been scrambling ever since. — Nothing to see: On Monday, networks were airing live footage of Trudeau addressing his caucus at the same time the PMO was insisting he wasn’t at the emergency meeting. Trudeau has since found new doors to enter and exit rooms in order to avoid the media. His office has canceled year-end interviews with Global News and CBC News. The PMO has not responded to most media questions, which has only helped rumors fester. They uncharacteristically lost track of journalists at the Liberals' Tuesday night holiday party — allowing media to wander at will. — Raucous caucus: At the Métropolitain, your Playbook co-host overheard Chief Government Whip RUBY SAHOTA complaining that the government is in "chaos." — Atlantic murmurs: The Liberal MPs from New Brunswick who aren't in Cabinet want Trudeau out. — Meanwhile: MP NATHANIEL ERSKINE-SMITH is mulling over a Cabinet position, with an apparent caveat that a job on the front bench would mean he’d have to run again. Erskine-Smith announced months ago that he wouldn't seek another term. What do you think comes next? Email us . | | Caught our ear | |
FIRST IMPRESSIONS — Finance Minister DOMINIC LEBLANC owed DAVID HERLE an interview for the Herle Burly pod. They'd already rescheduled an appearance a couple of weeks ago. LeBlanc carved out time for a 40-minute interview on Wednesday.
Herle, a longtime adviser to former PM PAUL MARTIN, has moved in similar Liberal circles as LeBlanc for years. He quizzed the Cabmin on the state of the nation's finances, how to deal with DONALD TRUMP's tariff threat and the future of the Liberal Party. LeBlanc, known for his candor, gamely played along. Here's what jumped out to us: — On the deficit: This week's Fall Economic Statement revealed an annual budget deficit significantly higher than the C$40.1 billion the government projected for the fiscal year. LeBlanc noted the fiscal impact of billions worth of estimated Indigenous class-action payments, describing them as necessary and distinct from the "operational" deficit. Still, he acknowledged a reality: "The fiscal situation of the government isn't terrific." — Bona fides: LeBlanc said his "brief" briefings so far with senior departmental officials included a rundown on broad economic indicators trending in the right direction. "Not being an economic expert, that's encouraging," he reflected, acknowledging a glaring gap in his CV. Later, the minister spoke about how many Canadians don't feel any better about their finances. — On the agenda: LeBlanc plans to talk to bank CEOs in "the next few days." Work begins in January on a federal budget slated for "March or April." — Southward-bound: LeBlanc, who will remain point man on the Canada-U.S. border, wants to meet HOWARD LUTNICK, Trump's nominee for commerce secretary, and incoming “border czar” TOM HOMAN, "between Christmas and New Year's." He plans to meet them in the U.S. — On Freeland: "I had a sense that she was struggling," LeBlanc said of predecessor CHRYSTIA FREELAND, reflecting on a weekend conversation. He learned about her resignation along with the rest of the world — when he saw her letter. — Further reading: LeBlanc also spoke to Brunswick News' ADAM HURAS. The headline out of that one: MARK CARNEY isn’t joining the federal Liberals. CHAMPAGNE ON THE BORDER — Trump’s return is making waves in Canada. This week, tensions over how Ottawa should fight a looming trade war with the U.S. prompted CHRYSTIA FREELAND's resignation. But Canada has been responding to Trump’s tariff threats by making the case that the two countries have intertwined economies, especially in key areas like critical minerals, artificial intelligence and energy.
|  Francois-Philippe Champagne speaks during a press conference. | Mindaugas Kulbis/AP | On POLITICO Tech, Industry Minister FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNE joined host STEVEN OVERLY to discuss the turmoil on both sides of the border. Champagne told Overly he's focusing on Trump's return and not the noise around Trudeau. “All of my time and energy is focused on preparing for [the] arrival of President-elect Trump. Make sure they understand that we are very focused on security of the north, the Arctic, the border, resilient supply chains in critical minerals and semiconductors,” he said “So the focus is really looking forward. I cannot change yesterday. I can plan for tomorrow.” Champagne said he's standing behind Trudeau. “You don't change the pilot in flight.” Listen here.
| | Where the leaders are | |
— Prime Minister JUSTIN TRUDEAU is in the National Capital Region with no public-facing events on his itinerary.
— Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE and Bloc Québécois Leader YVES-FRANÇOIS BLANCHET and NDP Leader JAGMEET SINGH have not released a public itinerary. — Green Leader ELIZABETH MAY will attend the Sidney, B.C., Rotary Club breakfast, followed by private meetings for the remainder of the day. | | | DULY NOTED | | |
The House returns Jan. 27. The Senate returns Feb. 4.
| | MEDIA ROOM | |
— POLITICO’s SARA SCHONHARDT reports that U.S. President JOE BIDEN will strengthen the United States’ climate target today by announcing a goal of cutting planet-warming pollution 61-66 percent in 2035. It’s a move Trump is likely to jettison.
— B.C. Premier DAVID EBY, in a year-end interview with the Globe, said he regrets he didn’t recognize sooner the challenges that fast-growing B.C. communities were facing. — Former Premier KATHLEEN WYNNE writes for Air Quotes Media: “In my lifetime, all 71 years of it, I have never experienced a time when the political debate has been as vitriolic.” — Nunavik MP SYLVIE BÉRUBÉ tells Nunatsiaq News the FES will go down in history for the wrong reasons. — Former PBO KEVIN PAGE declares Dec. 16 a bad day for the PM, DPM, the government — and confidence in Canada’s public finances. “Guilty as charged; one and all.” — On The Hub, LIVIO DI MATTEO shares three simple rules for dealing with DONALD TRUMP. For starters, “never make the boss look bad.” | | PROZONE | |
For POLITICO Pro subscribers, our latest policy newsletter via MIKE BLANCHFIELD and SUE ALLAN: For whom the Trump trolls.
In other news for Pro readers: — US grid monitor gives grim warning of power supply risks. — DOE study leaves path for Trump to ramp up LNG exports. — DOGE is a mystery. Here are some answers. — What’s in the catch-all stopgap. — At the EPA, Trump’s second term is already having consequences. | | PLAYBOOKERS | |
Birthdays: HBD to Conservative MP RANDY HOBACK and to former Liberal MP LARRY BAGNELL (75!).
Got a document to share? A birthday coming up? Send it all our way . Spotted: Dozens of Liberals at Ottawa's airport Wednesday evening, digesting it all as they await flights home … Northern Affairs Minister DAN VANDAL, catching a flight out of town. Sen. YUEN PAU WOO, with his own rendition of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” “’Twas months before Christmas when all through the House MPs were idle and, boy, did they grouse. A vote of non-confidence the Cons did propose Haven’t we had enough of those?” Sen. ANDREW CARDOZO, sharing advice from his late mother as he urged his colleagues to get ready for DONALD TRUMP: “Pull up your socks, stand up straight and speak clearly.” Historian J.D.M. STEWART, calling out parliamentarians for failing to recognize Canada’s history. “Just as an example of the bare cupboard that is awareness of our history: Not a single MP rose in the [House] to pay tribute to W.L. MACKENZIE KING on the 150th anniversary of his birth.” Movers and shakers: GT and Co partner BRIAN TOPP was appointed chair of the board at Toronto Hydro. Media mentions: Calgary reporter MATT SCACE announced that his first book, “Jasper on Fire: Five Days of Hell in a Rocky Mountain Paradise,” will be out next month from Sutherland House Books. The Saskatoon StarPhoenix building has been sold to a Saskatoon-based developer. | | | | POLITICO Pro's unique analysis combines exclusive transition intelligence and data visualization to help you understand not just what's changing, but why it matters for your organization. Explore how POLITICO Pro will make a difference for you. | | | | | | | TRIVIA | |
Wednesday’s answer: The House of Commons adopted a fixed sitting calendar in 1982.
Props to LAURE HOURDEBAIGT, MARCEL MARCOTTE, RAY DEL BIANCO, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, GANGA WIGNARAJAH, DARRYL DAMUDE, MALCOLM MCKAY and JOANNA PLATER. Today’s question: How did HOMER SIMPSON once refer to Canada? Send your answer to ottawaplaybook@politico.com Writing tomorrow's Playbook: MICKEY DJURIC and NICK TAYLOR-VAISEY. Playbook wouldn’t happen without: POLITICO Canada editor Sue Allan, editor Willa Plank and Luiza Ch. Savage. Advertise in our Playbook. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com. | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
