Biden said months ago that, as part of his climate agenda, he would cancel the project. But the decisive speed of his executive order did not give Canada the right to respond.
Even Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, who supports the Keystone XL pipeline, tweeted that the executive order slapped Canada in the face.
“This is a moment of realpolitik, it is a verification of the reality that America always takes care of American interests and it is time to do the same in Canada,” Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Canadian Business Council, said in an interview with CNN .
Biden’s actions are an opening salvo for America’s allies; a clear indication that while the new president is committed to restoring old relationships, an astute and calculated self-interest, rooted in the domestic political agenda, will define his foreign policy.
Biden called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday on his first call to a foreign leader.
A government source informed of the call described it as “warm and friendly” and substantive. Both leaders agreed that fighting the pandemic will be their priority.
In private, the two men repeated their comments about the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline. Trudeau reportedly told Biden that he was disappointed and that it would cost jobs on both sides of the border.
Biden said he was delivering on a campaign promise.
“We are relieved that tariffs are not being announced by tweets, but I think that, apart from these things changing, the fact is that American policy as such has not changed much,” said Hyder.
During the phone call with Trudeau, Biden underscored his commitment to multilateralism.
The reading also stated that “the prime minister and the president have agreed to consult closely to avoid measures that could restrict bilateral trade, supply chains and economic growth”.
But the previous Friday, Trudeau was more outspoken and realistic about Biden’s approach, especially when it comes to trade.
“It will not always be a perfect alignment with the United States, it is the case for any president, but in a situation where we are much more aligned with the values, the focus, the work that needs to be done to give opportunities to everyone while we build a better future, I am very much looking forward to working with President Biden, “Trudeau said during a news conference on Friday.
‘Buy American’ approach can test relationships with allies
But those “values” will be tested again next week, as the Biden government outlines its priorities for a “Buy American” approach to the economy, an approach that some in Canada believe will lead to more trade protectionism.
“Buying American will be the next big test,” said Hyder, adding that it will be a challenge for Canada, as well as for other allies.
“What is good for America are strong business relationships, energy security, trusted partners and allies that can be there for you, right? This is what we need to defend,” said Hyder.
But defending this in Washington’s hyperpartisan atmosphere will be more complicated as the United States tries to recover from a debilitating pandemic.
Before and after being elected, Biden promised to tighten the “Buy American” rules. This is another campaign promise that could once again overthrow Canada and reach out to other allies.
Biden proposed hundreds of billions of dollars in spending on things like infrastructure projects that would be carried out using mainly American raw materials and products.
The “Buy American” campaign could still receive legislative support for its needs to make it enforceable. This, in turn, could make it indistinguishable from an “America First” doctrine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, declaring in a speech that “after four long years, Europe has a friend in the White House”.
But at a news conference this week, European Council President Charles Michel seemed to take a more pragmatic approach.
“We have our differences and they will not magically disappear. America seems to have changed, and as it is seen in Europe and the rest of the world it has also changed,” said Michel, adding that Europe would defend its interests.
Canada is likely to be the first ally to vigorously defend its interests, however warm the relationship between Trudeau and Biden may be.