Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says she did not discuss the “broader trade relationship” between Canada and the U.S. when she recently met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
“Both he and I are cognizant of the fact that the trade file rests with other ministers in our respective governments,” Anand said in an interview with CTV News when asked if Rubio has given her any assurances that he would like to see the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continue.
Anand spoke to CTV News on Friday ahead of the opening of Canada’s first consulate in Greenland since the end of the Second World War. But earlier this week, she was in Washington to attend a critical minerals meeting hosted by Rubio.
Pressed by CTV News if trade and tariffs were discussed while in Washington, Anand said “we did not discuss the broader trade relationship,” but added that the two countries are “building in the conversation about critical mineral supply chains.”
Anand also said “of course” when asked if it’s frustrating to not raise the issue of trade but insisted the two countries “have a process in place” to work towards the review of CUSMA later this year.
The foreign affairs minister’s trip to Greenland comes amid Trump’s threats to annex the Arctic territory.
When asked if she ever believed Trump’s intention to take over, Anand would not answer directly.
“I can assure you that we are monitoring the situation very closely,” she said. “We have always had the intention to open a consulate here. To be able to be here when the people of Greenland are concerned and anxious is wonderful. I’m so happy to be here.”
Anand also would not say if she was concerned if the consulate opening would anger the Trump administration.
“We are very much looking forward to continuing to build ties with the United States across a number of metrics,” Anand said, later adding that Canada is “standing strongly with the people of Greenland.”
Plans to open Canada’s consulate were well underway before Trump’s threats as part of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy. So far, no permanent consul has been appointed.
Abigail Bimman is on the ground in Nuuk, Greenland, to cover the opening of the Canadian consulate for CTV News.