Halifax conference ends on uncertain note as world awaits Trump White House
HALIFAX — After three days of discussion, the Halifax International Security Forum ended with a collective shrug as political thinkers from around the globe expressed uncertainty about how the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. might affect the international order.
Canadian politicians made it clear that whatever the president-elect’s foreign policy may entail, the country is prepared to hold its own on the world stage — with or without its neighbour.
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan told reporters Sunday that he’s reserving his opinions of the incoming administration until Trump takes office and looks forward to building a “solid relationship” with his new American counterpart. Sajjan reiterated the importance of multilateralism in today’s uneasy geopolitical climate, offering a Canadian contrast to Trump’s “America first” approach to foreign relations.
“No one nation has all the solutions,” Sajjan said. “It’s important for us to continue to be able to work together, bring our strengths to the table and be able to deal with a threat.”