The MP for London North Centre says the government of Canada will work with Donald Trump because it is the "responsible approach."
Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos made the comment Wednesday morning, hours after Trump was named President-elect following Hillary Clinton's concession.
Speaking at Western University, where he was touting the Trudeau government's plan to allow post-secondary students to forgo paying back student loans until they are making $25,000 a year, Fragiskatos sounded a measured tone when looking ahead to relations with a Trump-led America.
"The relationship will unfold," Fragiskatos said. "We will watch and make sure that Canada's interests are protected. And I'm heartened by the fact that Canada-U.S.ties have been very, very strong throughout our history. As two great democracies, we have worked very well together. I think Canadians should also be heartened by that fact as well."
But when asked if he is concerned about Trump's pledge to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, Fragiskatos was reluctant to make predictions about how the Trudeau government would respond.
"Of course he's mentioned that. We will see what unfolds in the coming weeks and months," he said.
Trump's election has concerned provincial politicians as well.
Deputy Premier and London North Centre MPP Deb Matthews was also at Western on Wednesday.
She says Ontario will have to be vigilant to make sure our manufacturing sector comes out on the right side of any possible re-negotiation of NAFTA.
"Our auto industry is built on an open border," Matthews said. "Parts of a car travel across a border, I think, 19 times before you end up with the final product. That open border, in many of our industries, is really important. So, we will on guard watching out for what's best for the people of Ontario."
