Former Quebec delegate says U.S. midterms open door for Canada to rebuild energy ties
Catherine Loubier spoke at a Montreal energy conference after the U.S. midterm elections.
MONTREAL · A former Quebec delegate general in New York says the recent U.S. midterm election results have created an opportunity for Canada to rebuild ties with Americans in the energy industry. Catherine Loubier made the comments in an interview with The Canadian Press at an energy conference in Montreal on Thursday. She said she does not expect the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump to disappear following the midterms. Loubier urged Canadian government and industry officials to continue efforts to widen energy exports to new global markets while also rebuilding the relationship with the United States.
"She praised efforts to widen Canada’s energy exports to new markets around the world and urged government and industry officials to continue that work while rebuilding the relationship with the United States," Loubier said. She also said she expects Trump to double down on his "America First" approach in the final two years of his term. The conference was organized by HEC Montréal and Quebec's energy regulator. Loubier has a background in federal politics and corporate governance. She previously worked as an adviser to former prime minister Stephen Harper. She now sits as a director on several corporate boards, including for a battery manufacturer and a technology company.
Her assessment comes as Canada navigates a trade relationship with the U.S. that has been defined by Trump's tariffs. Yadude Books reported in November that the Democrats' control of Congress raises the odds of oversight on key industries but leaves Trump's tariffs on Canada in place. Loubier's comments suggest a focus on sectoral engagement despite the broader tariff policy remaining. Loubier spoke specifically about the energy industry, highlighting the need for direct engagement with American counterparts. She did not provide details on specific policy measures but emphasized the strategic opening created by the new political dynamic in Washington. The midterm elections took place earlier this week, setting the stage for the final two years of Trump's presidency.
With files from The Canadian Press, Castanet and BNN Bloomberg