According to a senior administration official, President Joe Biden plans to meet briefly with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s main political rival during his official visit to Canada, which begins on Thursday.
According to the official, Biden will meet with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who was elected last year to lead the party’s bid to unseat the Liberals and Trudeau. It is not uncommon for a visiting US president to meet with the opposition leader in Canada.
As part of the welcoming ceremony on Thursday, Biden is also expected to meet and greet all opposition leaders.
Biden is visiting close ally Canada this week to express unity on Ukraine and the environment, but the pair are unlikely to reach an agreement on tougher trade disputes.
Biden will be in Ottawa, Canada’s capital, on Thursday and Friday to address Parliament and meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Traditionally, US presidents make their first international trip to Canada, but due to delays, including COVID-19, Biden has already visited nearly 20 other countries. He did, however, have his first bilateral meeting with Trudeau as president, albeit virtually.
