The Prime Minister will depart later today for a week-long trip across Europe that will conclude with this year's G20 summit. Expectations are that Trudeau will be debuting a new direction in foreign policy, aimed at charting a unique path for Canada in the world.
The Liberal government first signalled last month that Canada will be prepared to forge a course of its own in an era of American protectionism, after Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered a landmark policy speech to the House of Commons outlining this new approach.
Trudeau is expected to debut this more independent foreign policy on Friday, where G20 meetings will likely be dominated by conflicts between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump. Trudeau has gotten along well with Ms. Merkel and has avoided antagonizing Donald Trump.
Trudeau's approach to Trump stands in stark contrast to Emmanuel Macron, who has directly challenged Mr. Trump's policy decisions, most recently by inviting American scientists and engineers to move to France after the U.S. pulled out of the Paris climate-change accord.
Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson says that by contrast, Trudeau's more measured and cautious approach to the American President has impressed the rest of the world. He told the Canadian Press it will put Trudeau in a "unique position" at the G20.
Before he arrives in Hamburg for the G20, Trudeau will make several stops around Europe to meet with world leaders. The first of these will be to Ireland, where he will meet with the new Irish Taioseach, Leo Varadkar. He will also stop in London to meet with Queen Elizabeth, where it is widely expected Trudeau will discuss the appointment of the next Canadian Governor General.