Conservative MP Jamil Jivani Ready to Assist in U.S. Trade Talks

Jamil Jivani, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Bowmanville-Oshawa North, has expressed his willingness to assist in restarting trade negotiations with the United States, should Prime Minister Mark Carney seek his help. Jivani, a close friend and former classmate of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance at Yale Law School, indicated that he is prepared to leverage their relationship for the benefit of Canada’s economy.

In light of the anticipated departure of Kirsten Hillman, Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Jivani suggested that this might be an opportune moment for the Canadian government to reassess its trade strategy. He stated, “I really do believe I could help. I would love to be able to talk to JD about how we can make things better for our economy, but I don’t want to get involved in what Mark Carney is up to, unless he tells me that’s helpful to him.”

Jivani noted that he had previously offered assistance but refrained from inserting himself into discussions, referencing the “Doug Ford commercial debacle” as an example of the pitfalls of a disorganized approach to trade relations. This incident occurred when U.S. President Donald Trump suspended trade talks following an ad featuring the voice of Ronald Reagan during the Major League Baseball playoffs.

While Jivani is ready to support the current government, he emphasized that he believes his party could more effectively navigate trade disputes if in power. He highlighted the potential for leveraging his personal connections to resolve ongoing issues.

Addressing Broader Issues

In a recent interview with CBC News, Jivani discussed a range of topics that have defined his political year. He has actively opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and has taken the initiative to conduct a national tour of universities to shed light on challenges facing young men. Within the caucus led by Pierre Poilievre, Jivani has distinguished himself as a vocal critic, advocating for an end to what he describes as “Liberal racism,” a term he claims refers to policies that he believes exclude non-racialized Canadians from employment opportunities.

Jivani also made headlines as the first MP in his caucus to call for the termination of the temporary foreign worker program, a stance that has since become party policy. His recent social media video criticizing the Liberal government’s school food program has garnered over one million views, showcasing his ability to engage with the public on pressing issues.

His arguments against DEI policies focus on the notion that race is an inadequate metric for understanding the complexities of individual identities and the support individuals require. Jivani stated, “A lot of it comes down to seeing a lot of people who need a hand up and need to be heard. My observation is that there are a series of policies that make it difficult for us to actually arrive at solutions.”

Future of Conservative Leadership

As the Conservative Party approaches its national convention in January 2024, where Poilievre will face a mandatory leadership review, Jivani expressed optimism regarding the outcome. He remarked that Poilievre’s leadership has so far received strong backing from party members. “When he became leader of our party he won with an overwhelming majority of Conservative members selecting him. They have the chance to do the same in January,” he said.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Jivani noted the difficulties of adjusting to being in opposition after the Conservative Party faced a challenging general election result in 2024. Despite this, he believes that Conservative MPs can work collaboratively with the Liberal government to bring about positive changes, referencing the party’s support for Bill C-5 earlier this year.

In conclusion, Jivani remains committed to advocating for policies that reflect the needs of Canadians while positioning himself as a bridge between party lines in discussions that could influence the nation’s economic future. As he prepares for potential opportunities to assist in trade negotiations, his focus remains on ensuring that all Canadians are represented in the policy-making process.