OPINION — Editorial

Other say: Oh, Canada

The visit of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau seems to have gone relatively smoothly, in spite of the general fireworks underway surrounding Michael Flynn, the White House national security adviser who was forced to resign that evening.

Trudeau could easily have found the storm involving President Donald Trump, Flynn and Russia of considerable concern. Canada shares closely the defense of the north of North America with the United States, is a fellow NATO member, and is as close geographically to Russia as the United States is. He might also have looked uneasily at Trump's falling out with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, which led to his cancellation or--we can hope--postponement of his scheduled visit to the United States to meet with Trump.

Trump and Trudeau certainly had much to discuss.

The effort at cordiality on the part of both leaders, in spite of their policy and age differences, is welcome to Americans and Canadians. Perhaps the next step should be a three-part meeting, to draw in Mexico's president. Trudeau would want to see that; Trump should want to see it.

Editorial on 02/18/2017

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