A look at Canada’s last-ditch push in D.C. to avoid looming tariffs [Video]

Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds has said some unkind things about Canada. But when the Trump ally welcomed Canadian Ambassador Kirsten Hillman into his Capitol Hill office, it started out all smiles.

“I hear that you have just announced that you’re running for governor,” Hillman enthused. “Congratulations!”

Donalds — who has complained about Canada as a source of “unacceptable” drugs and immigration and trash-talked Canada’s 4 Nations hockey team — thanked Hillman and mentioned all the Canadians who winter in Florida.

With exclusive access to Hillman’s campaign to stave off U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CBC Radio’s The House asked Donalds what message he would give U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada.

“Right now we have a great relationship with Canada,” he said brightly. Whatever happens in the coming months and years, Donalds said, “I think the president understands that and he wants to continue having a great dialogue with our neighbours to the north.”