Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says former U.S. President Donald Trump used “bully” tactics during negotiations for a new North American free-trade agreement more than two years ago.
Freeland is responding to a characterization of herself as a frustrating and difficult negotiator in a new memoir by Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner.
Freeland was the foreign affairs minister at the time and as such was Canada’s chief negotiator in the talks.
‘No guarantees’ in trading relationship with Trump administration, Freeland says – Sep 15, 2020
In his book Breaking History, Kushner accuses Freeland of purposely stalling negotiations and speaking publicly about the talks against the wishes of the White House.
Trending Stories
Wendy’s Canada backs Lisa LaFlamme, swaps mascot’s red hair for grey
Prince William, Kate Middleton moving from London to give kids ‘normal’ life
Asked about the book’s characterization of her, Freeland told reporters in Edmonton that when faced with a bully, you simply cannot back down.
She says Canada’s best asset in those negotiations was a united front on the talks presented by Conservative premiers and the federal Liberal government.
Canada is ‘committed’ to defending Arctic, NATO allies: Freeland
© 2022 The Canadian Press
