WASHINGTON (AP) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits the White House on Thursday, just a few months after his election captured Americans’ attention in a way not seen since his father.
President Barack Obama has granted the young, liberal Trudeau one of the highest honors the U.S. reserves for allies: a pomp-filled visit including a state dinner, the first for Canada since 1997. Trudeau, the 44-year-old son of longtime Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, will be accompanied by his wife, Sophie Gregoire.
Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland says Trudeau is “going to make a real splash in Washington.”
Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner, with more than $2 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border every day. About 75 percent of Canada’s exports go to the U.S.