October 1, 2025
The Empire Club of Canada Presents
The Canada-Michigan Relationship: An Address by Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Chairman: Saurabh Popat, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Moderator
Steve Paikin, Journalist
Distinguished Guest Speaker
The Honourable Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Head Table Guests
Flavio Volpe, President, APMA
David Olson, Chair, The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada
Welcome Address by Saurabh Popat, President, Board of Directors, Empire Club of Canada
Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you. I’m Saurabh Popat, the chair of the board of the Empire Club of Canada, and your host for today’s event. I want to thank, first of all, the Royal Conservatory, and the Glenn Gould School, for providing today’s anthem. Thank you, again, for that wonderful rendition.
And I want, to formally begin, to acknowledge that we are gathering on the Traditional and Treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the homelands of the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples. I encourage you all to learn more about the Traditional Territory on which you work and live.
Before we continue, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence, to honour the victims of the recent tragedy at a church in Michigan, and to keep their families and community in our thoughts. We’ll take a moment of silence now.
Minute of Silence
Thank you. Now, today’s event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. The Empire Club is a non-profit organization, and our sponsors generously support the club, and make these events possible, and complimentary for our online viewers to attend. So, please join me in thanking our Lead Sponsor, APMA, the Automotive Parts and Manufacturers Association. Thank you to our VIP Reception Sponsors, Dickinson Wright, Ford of Canada, Magna International, and PNC Bank Canada. And to our Supporting Sponsor, GM Canada. Thank you. And a huge thank you to our Event Partner, the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, AmCham Canada. Thank you. And we are also deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of our Lead Season Sponsors, Bruce Power, Hiver One, and National Bank Financial Markets. Yep. Thank you. And our VIP Reception Season Sponsors, Ellis Don, McKinsey & Company, the Ontario Road Builders Association, and Waste Connections of Canada. Thank you. And finally, thank you to our Media Partner, the Toronto Star, and our AV Partner, Bespoke Audio Visual. Thank you.
If you have a question for our speakers, please scan the QR code found on your program, or through the Q&A function, if you’re online. For those of you online, if you require technical assistance, please use the chat feature.
Let me first begin by acknowledging the many dignitaries, distinguished guests, and friends of the club, who are here with us today, including Ontario’s Finance Minister, the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy. Thank you for joining us. We are honoured to have you here with us for this special, and perhaps even this historic event here today. Because today is rare, this is only the third time in more than 120 year history of the Empire Club that a sitting US Governor has addressed us here. Thank you. And today’s event comes at a critical and historical time, as well. Not only because of the potential for both the Spartans and the Wolverine football teams to earn a spot in a bowl game this season—right, Governor? But also because of the hyper-dynamic geopolitical and economic times that we are living in together.
Now, Michigan is not just a neighbouring state; Michigan is a sibling state. Michigan and Canada maintain a $95 billion trade relationship, including $68 billion with Ontario alone, making Canada one of Michigan’s most crucial trading partners. Michigan exports more to Canada than almost any other US state. And some of the busiest border crossings between Canada and the US flow through Michigan, including 60% of all truck crossings through the Ambassador Bridge, and the soon-to-be-open Gordie Howe International Bridge. Elbows down, please, for our Michigan neighbours. The auto sector is arguably the most critical sector for both Michigan and Canada, and particularly, for Ontario. The Great Basin of the Great Lakes borders Michigan and Canada, and some of our greatest hockey players have come from Michigan—and some of them are almost as good as the players from Ontario and Canada.
So, that’s a bit of sibling rivalry between us. But our similarities are greater than any of our differences. We look across the river, and we see a place that is similar to us, in many ways. We see people who care about what we care about. We see a place that matters to us a great deal. The current turbulence and headwinds is certainly testing our strong bonds. In fact, a few months ago, Prime Minister Carney made international headlines, when he said that the old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies, and tight security, and military cooperation, is over. But what people forget is that the Prime Minister also said, “What comes next is unclear.” And in that one small line, there is a big door of hope that is available to all of us, and that is founded in the long-standing relationship between our two countries, and our cherished neighbour across the border.
Today, we are privileged to hear from a US leader as to what comes next. We have an opportunity to help shape it. Canada and Michigan have an opportunity to show the world what strong partners can achieve together, and we must get this right. That is exactly why the Empire Club is here, to bring leaders to the stage to share their vision, and spark dialogue, and conversations that matter, in shaping our collective future. We are proud to do so today with Governor Whitmer, from the great state of Michigan, in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada.
Before we begin, I’d like to recognize our Lead Sponsor, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association. Here to speak for them is Flavio Volpe, one of the most globally-respected voices in North America’s automotive sector, and a true champion of Canada’s role in it. As president of the APMA, he represents the companies that design and build the parts, tools, and technologies that power vehicles from around the world. Flavio played a key role in the NAFTA negotiations, where he worked to secure stronger protections, and new opportunities for Canadian suppliers in the USMCA or CUSMA trade deal. Flavio also sits on the Canada-US Relations Council, and is a member of the Order of Canada. Please join me, in welcoming Flavio to the podium.
Opening Remarks by Flavio Volpe, President, APMA
Thank you, Saurabh. Thank you, to the Empire Club. Thank you, everybody here, for answering the call from one of our former speakers here, the US Ambassador to Canada, who said, “I’m looking for Canadians who are passionate about the Canada-US relationship.” Well, the room is full here, for the Governor of Michigan. This province was built, in part, by Michigan companies. We have General Motors here, and we have Ford here, and there’s a great history with the Dodge brothers making bicycles in Windsor, and then going back to make cars, and then having an argument with Henry Ford, and all of a sudden, we’ve got a car industry. What came across the river in 1904, 121 years ago, to make Model A’s, with a gentleman who said, “Well, we can go from carriages to cars, and we’re going to jump the border, because we need to jump the tariff wall.” Here we are ,talking about the same things 120 years later.
We heard Americans say, “Those are Michigan jobs, why don’t they come here?” But we do know that companies in this room, like Magna, Martinrea, Woodbridge, are investing heavily in Michigan. And 55 Canadian auto parts companies employ almost 20,000 Michiganders to build cars together. You know, we talk a lot today about the map and the border, but we know that our industry works from a satellite image. It works. The biggest, best cluster in making vehicles anywhere around the world is Michigan and Ontario. We see the world very similarly. We share each other’s brain trust, tools, raw materials, parts, cars, outlook, values, and an understanding that a good, strong economy of people that make things, are the type of people that get you through crises.
But we listen very intently to the Governor, when she speaks about the future of Michigan and automotive. And I always say that if the White House takes care of Detroit, it’s going to take care of Windsor through Oshawa, and every other Canadian spot here, if you listen to Detroit, and if you listen to Michigan. Because we’re going to compete with China, is what you need to do. We’re your partners. Fifty percent of the parts in the cars that are made at these great factories here in Canada come from the US, some of them from Joe Loparco’s factories, Canadian-owned factories in Michigan. Fifty-five percent of the raw materials. We do great things together.
Governor Whitmer started her political life as a representative in Michigan, and then as a senator. But she’s here because she is a visionary leader, strong moral compass, talking to Americans about the role of the America of the future, and how that role includes the America of the last 120 years, when we made things for ourselves, and for other people, and in partnership with our friends and family in Canada. We appreciate your leadership. We met at SelectUSA, with a bunch of companies. We’re coming back and forth to talk to each other on how to do this well together. Without further ado, please, let’s give her the biggest Toronto, Ontario, Canada welcome, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the 49th governor of the great state of Michigan.
The Honourable Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Thank you. Thank you so very much. Flavio, the Empire Club, the leadership all throughout this room. Thank you so much, for that warm welcome. I am thrilled to be here, truly. And I thank every one of you for making time to join us today, for this conversation. I’m here today to talk a little bit about how Michigan and Canada can work together, to lead the future in manufacturing, and of course, the auto industry. But when we work together, we can do so much. We’ve seen it, we’ve all benefited from it, and that’s why it’s important to double down on it in this moment, especially, at the subnational level.
First, I want to acknowledge the obvious. I know that US-Canada relations have been challenging, recently. The tone, the insults coming out of Washington, D.C. are not just unwise and unnecessary, but they’re also unjustified. They’re unproductive. I want you to know that the vast majority of Americans view Canada as our best friend, our ally, our partner in the world. I know that most governors, Democrats, and Republicans feel the same way, too.
Michigan, in particular, has a special relationship with Canada. Governors John Swainson and Jennifer Granholm were born in Canada, Governor Jim Blanchard served as ambassador to Canada in the 1990’s, and former Governor George Romney owned a cottage in Ontario. In addition to our deep gubernatorial ties, our state and your country have a lot in common. A proud manufacturing tradition, a strong agricultural industry, a fierce commitment to protecting our Great Lakes, a love of hockey and craft beer, a strong penchant for friendship, and we each have our famous Fords—we have the Motor Company, and you have Premier Doug. Both icons. We also share a border, Detroit-Windsor, which is the busiest international border crossing in North America, driving more than a quarter of the $700 billion of annual trade between the United States and Canada. More goods cross the Ambassador Bridge than the US trades with France. Just think about that. This crossing is critical to protecting and defending our respective economies, and we can never take that for granted. I’m proud of the relationship that we’ve built through agreements on cross-border electric vehicle testing, supply chains, job creation. Since I took office seven years ago, Canadian businesses have announced 42 projects in Michigan, creating over 7,800 good-paying jobs. And over that same time, Michigan businesses have moved on 33 projects here in Canada, creating more than 10,000 jobs. It’s like Prime Minister Carney said, “Our strength lies in our resolve to work together.” And that’s why I’m here today. Michigan and Canada, we’re siblings, we’re cousins, we’re relatives. We may live a town over, but we always show up when it counts. If anyone tries to mess with our family, you can bet we’ll have your back. And we know that you’ve got ours.
Together, we’ve seen what a strong relationship can do for our economies. America’s largest trading partners are Canada and Mexico. Combined, we conduct nearly $1.8 trillion of trade, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA—or CUSMA, whatever Canadians want to call it, I’m good with that. I know in Mexico, it starts with M, like, that’s just how it works. You know, President Trump negotiated this during his first term, and called it the best agreement we ever made. Well, that’s one thing I agree with. And that’s why it should be the law right now. It’s benefited all three of our economies, creating millions of jobs, increasing investments, making supply chains stronger.
Right now, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot with a chaotic national tariff policy in the US. Over the past 10 months, the federal administration has slapped tariffs on nearly every country, including yours. They’ve negotiated some deals, retracted others, and some fluctuate depending on the day, which continues to stoke uncertainty, and sow distrust. Most people do not want these tariffs; 6 in 10 Canadians no longer trust America because of them. That’s a heartbreaking statistic. Sixty percent of Americans think that the president’s gone too far with them. Even one in four Republicans don’t want anything to do with them. I’ll say this: Michiganders and Canadians understand the negative consequences of unfettered trade with other countries that don’t play fair. Decades of offshoring and outsourcing, that shipped good-paying middle-class jobs overseas. We dealt with those effects. And the ripple effects, that were devastating. Meaning fewer people, empty main streets, crumbling roads, shrinking schools. Thanks to Washington D.C. Republicans’ latest tariffs, however, history is repeating itself in the US.
Right now in the US, Google searches for “need help with mortgage” are at the highest since 2008. Credit scores are dropping at the fastest rate since the Great Recession. Today, the top 10% of households are responsible for nearly 50% of consumer spending. It’s the highest share since the 1990’s. Tariffs are putting the middle class in a tough spot. The folks doing well are doing even better, and those who are struggling are falling further behind. And this shows up in people’s day-to-day lives, as they put groceries back on the shelf before they check out. They hold out until the last possible minute to change their oil, and move back home to save on rent, or they forego investing in their retirement, to take care of the grocery bill today.
Now, I’ve been clear, tariffs have a place. I’m not opposed to tariffs outright. But we can’t treat them as a one-size-fits-all solution. And we certainly shouldn’t be using them to punish our partners, our allies, our closest trading partners. Canada supplies so much of what Americans use every single day. Canadian energy powers more than 5.6 million US homes. Canadian aluminum and auto parts are in our cars. Canadian lumber and steel are in our apartment buildings, our houses, our offices, and more. The things that so many Americans rely on, and assume are always going to be there, are supplied by so many of the companies that are in this room. Capriciously swinging the tariff hammer hurts us both, damaging supply chains, slowing production lines, cutting jobs on both sides of our border.
We’ve already seen what happens when our connection is severed. The blockade of the Ambassador Bridge in 2022 hit our auto and agriculture industries hard. Commerce came to a standstill. Workers lost $144 million in wages, during that standstill. Tariffs are threatening to make what was a temporary nightmare permanent. Consider this: more than 10,000 commercial vehicles carrying parts and materials across the Ambassador Bridge, they go every weekday. Without a USMCA exemption, every auto part on every single one of those trucks is subject to 25% tariff. This summer, duties on automotive goods entering the US totalled around $17.4 billion. They’ve never exceeded a billion dollars any month, since 2002. We’re already seeing the impacts of soaring costs. Auto companies in Canada and Michigan are stockpiling parts, and laying off workers. Bonus checks for auto workers are shrinking by thousands. Suppliers are facing higher costs, and delaying expansions. The price of a new car could rise by over $2,500 US dollars. Businesses are considering moving operations entirely overseas, so they can pay one tariff with a finished product coming in.
And the only winner in this scenario is China. And they’re coming for our auto industry. Everyone in this room knows it. Ontario, along with Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, have secured massive, multi-billion-dollar investments from companies like GM, Ford, Stellantis, Honda, LG. Together, the Great Lakes Region is the largest hub for battery production in North America. If we let cheap Chinese EVs enter the North American market, or if we fail to develop our own battery development and technology, and take control of the supply chain for critical minerals and components, all of it is at risk. You can look at Europe to see it, where Chinese EVs and batteries are gobbling up market share. More than 12 million European direct and indirect auto industry jobs at risk. And the iconic German brand, Volkswagen, was forced to shut down a plant for the first time in its 87 year history last week.
So, we can’t ignore what’s happening across the ocean, and in our own continent, down in Mexico. If we fail to act, that could be our future, too. One where companies subsidized by the Chinese government sell at a loss, and crush the core of our manufacturing economies. So, we’re doing our part to shore up domestic production. Since I took office, automakers and suppliers have invested a combined $40 billion in Michigan. In Canada, automakers and suppliers have invested over $50 billion, since 2020. Michigan continues and is proud to remain as the number one state for auto production, EV battery manufacturing, mobility R&D, and engineering talent. But that’s not enough. Michigan and Canada have got to collaborate to win. We can face China, but we have to do it together. I can’t, as an individual governor, control the national tariff rate, but I can use my voice. I’ve taken this message directly to the White House. I’ve sat with the president, and told him when we say no to Canada, it is saying yes to China, and we can’t let that happen.
A decline in trade between US, Mexico, and Canada would cause massive job losses, widespread supply chain disruptions, and shortages of fuel, parts, and produce. China would love nothing more than to watch us cripple our own economies. We can’t afford, we cannot afford to serve them the North American auto ecosystem on a silver platter. We cannot turn our backs on one another—not now, and not ever. We must keep talking, and showing up for each other. We will get through this together, but it’s tough. And that’s why we got to stick together.
I really believe that we will get through this. I was raised in a bipartisan household. My mom was a Democrat, my dad a Republican—those were both very different parties than they are today. They taught me decency, respect, and kindness—Canadian values, if you will. And it’s how I’ve tried to show up every day as governor, even on the hardest days, maybe especially on the hardest days. When I took office in 2019, I inherited the Flint water crisis, crumbling infrastructure, chronic underinvestment in schools, roads, and safety. People had lost trust in their government, and the fundamentals were falling apart. Seven years later, we’ve gotten a lot done by working together. I’ve signed over 1,500 bipartisan bills to fix our roads, feed our kids, save families money on taxes, and childcare, and education. We’re going to keep this momentum going. Right now, as I speak to you, the Michigan legislature is finalizing our next balanced budget, which will be my seventh. And with a lot of compromise, a lot of compromise, and a little bit of elbow grease, Republicans and Democrats are working together to get it done.
I know the future is uncertain, but we have a chance to make it a better one. And I know, if we work together, we will. We will protect our workers, and retain good-paying jobs. We’ll unleash innovation, to foster an environment where people can explore, and execute their big ideas. And, of course, we’ll dominate manufacturing top to bottom, to strengthen supply chains, and bring good jobs back home. We can do it all, but we can’t do it alone. Sometime next year, we will be dedicating the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. It’ll be a towering symbol of our successful partnership, and a bright future. We’ll show up not elbows up, but hands extended in friendship.
So, let’s continue to model the rest of the world. To show them how we can show up, and get things done, and work together. Let’s bring to bear the kind of future that we all want and deserve. I thank you for your partnership. I thank you for all the wonderful ways that you’ve made Michigan a better place, for me and my family. And I commit to you that I will continue to do my work, on my side of the border, to further that relationship. Thank you.
Saurabh Popat
Thank you so very much, Governor Whitmer, for sharing your insights, inspiring remarks, and perspectives with us today. We’re very grateful for your leadership, and the time that you’ve taken to visit us in Canada. To carry on this important conversation forward, we’re joined by someone who really needs no introduction in Canadian public life. For more than four decades, Steve Paikin has been one of the most trusted voices in journalism, bringing clarity, curiosity, and balance to the issues that shape our country—and sometimes, some sports metaphors as well. He has moderated countless debates, discussions, and dialogue on the national stage, and most recently, closed the historic run at The Agenda, on TVO. He is the voice behind the Paikin Podcast, and a moderator who continues to guide Canadians through some of our most important political debates. Please join me, in welcoming Steve to the stage.
Steve Paikin, Journalist
A couple of housekeeping items to start with, Governor, so you can take a moment here. Number one, I think we have a new gold standard for the American national anthem.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yes.
Steve Paikin
There was Whitney Houston at Super Bowl 25, and there is Teresa Tucci at the back of the room today. If you can’t stand up and take a bow, Teresa, that was phenomenal, phenomenal, wow. She started, and I thought there’s no way she’s going to hit the high note; she started too high. But then she said, “Oh, that’s only mid-range for me. I can go much higher.” Do you want to give us a little higher, right now? If you can’t, if you can’t, the governor can. I heard you singing over lunch. Do you want to favour us with a few bars?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
My children told me never sing or dance in public, so I’m not going to start now.
Steve Paikin
Okay, okay. And just a reminder about the QR codes on the tables, I do have an iPad here, and the governor and I will chat up here for a bit, but we’d certainly love to have your feedback on questions, as well. Let’s start with this. Why don’t we start with the news of the day? You had a meeting with Doug Ford this morning. Anything come of it we should know about?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
You know what? Premier Ford and I have, he was one of the first meetings I had when I became governor seven years ago, and our terms have kind of been at the same exact time, and he’s just, he’s been a joy to work with. He’s tough, he’s strong, but he is a delight. So, I have a great deal of respect for him, and I’ve got nothing to tell you about.
Steve Paikin
That’s very disappointing. Well, okay.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Other than he walked me into a press scrum, and he said, “Don’t worry, the Canadian press, they’re really nice,” and I mean, he kind of set me up.
Steve Paikin
Okay. I know that you two kind of famously disagree about Line 5. He would like it back open, and you are not a fan of it. Did you resolve that this morning, in your hour-long conversation?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I just want to get it out of the water. You know, the Great Lakes are 20% of the world’s fresh surface water, and it is our shared responsibility to protect it. And I’ve been working really hard to try to get the line out of the water, because I worry that it’s, if there was a mishap, it would be devastating to our mutual economies, and our way of life, and that’s been my perspective. So, that’s the nature of the differences. And no, we didn’t talk about that, or resolve that. It will probably not be resolved in either of our political lifetimes, so….
Steve Paikin
Would you go for a bypass? I don’t mean a heart bypass; I mean a bypass of the line.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Like I’ve said, it’s always about getting it out of the water for me. So whatever, however that could look like, I’m open to it. But I want to get it out of the water.
Steve Paikin
How about, I see Peter Bethlenfalvy here, the Minister of Finance for Ontario, and I think before you leave today, he’d like to sell you some nuclear reactors. Would you be open to buying some?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
You know, one of the things—so we did talk about energy. And you know, it is, without question, a huge crisis of need when we think about AI, and data centres, and semiconductor production, et cetera. So, it is something that, you know, we are very mindful of. We’re bringing back online, we’ll be the first state in the nation to bring a nuclear facility back online. And a lot of people said it can’t be done; we’re going to prove that it can be done. It can be done responsibly, and produce clean energy that is affordable and reliable. And I think Canada is a wonderful example that that is possible. And I think we’re going to pursue some follow-up conversations on—what are they, SMRs?
Steve Paikin
SMRs…
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yeah.
Steve Paikin
…small modular reactors. Yeah.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yep.
Steve Paikin
So, you’re open to buying one.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I don’t have a checkbook on me, but yeah. I mean, I think we should….
Steve Paikin
Tried. Okay. I tried. I, let me follow up on something you said in your speech, which is that you suggest Donald Trump doesn’t understand that every time he puts a tariff on a Canadian good, he’s essentially, you know, doing China’s bidding. How do you think we should try to make him understand that?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
If I could answer that question, we would have fixed this problem by now. You know, I’m continuing, every time I have an opportunity to go to the White House—and I’ve been there a handful of times this year—I do chat with him, and his cabinet, and his chief-of-staff. Not every governor has that kind of access. I’m going to use it every time I get it, to try to make the case. I continue to be told that we’re making progress. I just want it resolved. Because this really is a dire moment in manufacturing. The Canadian-American relationship was built over generations, and the amount of damage that has been done in such a small period of time is just so incredibly disheartening, and destructive. And I worry how long it’s going to take to earn back that trust, and confidence, and pride in that long-term relationship. It starts with stopping the chaos around ever-changing tariffs, and locking in, and saying, okay, this is how we’re going to work together. And I think the USMCA is, we should go back to that, and stop changing policy capriciously.
Steve Paikin
When he talks about you in public, he’s actually quite insulting, and rude about you. When he meets with you in private, is he any more charming?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
My first term, we had a very public, not great relationship. My first term—I’ll be honest with you: after the last election, I worked really hard to support his opponent. And I kind of went into a place where I had to turn off all the media and the television for a little while, and escape it. And then I figured, you know, I’ve got two years left as governor of Michigan. I have got to try to get as much done for the people of Michigan as I can. And I have gotten threatened to be kidnapped, and killed, because I did what I thought the right thing for Michigan was. I have been, you know, criticized for showing up at the White House under this administration, to get a big investment in Macomb County, which is just north of Windsor. And I’m going to show up. I don’t put myself first. I’m going to put the people of Michigan first. And the people of Michigan are counting on us to undo this tariff madness. And that’s why, every time I get the chance, I’m going to make that case, until we’re successful.
Steve Paikin
This was not—since you referenced it, let me follow up. The attempt on your life, the attempt to kidnap you, I mean, this was a very fully thought-out plan. Have you done anything differently? Have you questioned the advisability of going into public life, as a result of that threat?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
You know, so I ran for re-election in 2024. And a common question I got was, why do you want to keep doing this? You know, there were 30 recall attempts against me. We had a polar vortex in my first three weeks as governor. We had incredible flooding in Midland, Michigan, where we had to evacuate 10,000 people in the middle of the night, in the middle of a pandemic. Oh, yeah. We had a pandemic. There were demonstrations for racial justice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder that we had to navigate. And then there was a plot to kidnap and kill me. So, it was an understandable question, when people said, why do you want to keep doing this? But for me, I love this job. I love the people of Michigan. I am proud to be the governor, and I know what I do matters. And if I didn’t run and stay in it, it would kind of be saying, all that stuff has impacted and turned me away. And that’s not who I am. I’m going to stand in the line, on behalf of the people of Michigan. And I’m proud, stand in the breach, and I’m proud to be there. I’ve enjoyed doing it. But, you know, there are days where this job is very heavy. Two days ago, when we had a shooting at a church in Grand Blank, Michigan, on top of a federal shutdown, and I’m trying to wrap up the budget at the state level. I mean, it’s heavy. It’s been a hard week. And so, that’s why being here with all of you was such a joyful opportunity for me. Thank you.
Steve Paikin
I want to delicately go into this issue of the shooting that took place the other day. Because I wonder whether things like that still have the capacity to horrify Americans, because it seems to happen every day. And I think one thing I’d like to ask you—and maybe you can help us understand, what is it about America and guns? Because our countries are so close together, and in many ways similar—not in others, but in many ways similar. But this does not happen here with the regularity with which it happens in the states. Help us get what’s going on there.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
The United States is, the number one killer of kids, of American children, are guns. We’re the only country in the world where that’s true.
Steve Paikin
Why have you been incapable of doing anything about it for 250 years?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
The Second Amendment was grounded in—I mean, it was written a long, long time ago, when people were using muskets. Weapons of today are everywhere in America, and the crisis is one that we see play out over and over again. One of the things that we were able to do in Michigan, as a result of the shooting that happened near Michigan State’s campus, the students brought to bear incredible pressure on the legislature—and it was a Democratic-run legislature for the first time in 40 years—and we took action to require background checks, red flag laws, and secure storage. These are improvements, but—those are important steps, but we’ve got a gun problem in the United States of America. And it’s going to take federal legislation. It’s going to take a federal law, in order to change that. And right now, there’s not a Congress that is interested or capable of doing that.
Steve Paikin
Not right now. But even under President Biden, or President Obama, it didn’t happen then either. Is this just part of the price of admission, to be an American? You’re going to have to put up with shootings on a daily basis?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
It shouldn’t be.
Steve Paikin
Agreed. When it comes to—I’ll follow up with this: President Trump has said that, in his view, most of the violence in your country is on the left. He says the radical is on the left are the problem. What do you think?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
It’s not true. It’s just not true. The—violence is not owned by one party. Good ideas are not owned by one party. This is an issue that we have seen continue to grow. And as one of the first most recent high-profile targets of political violence, I can tell you, they were not inspired by the left, right? I’m not excusing any of it. None of it’s acceptable. But when we ratchet up the rhetoric, it makes it more likely that there will be more, that it will inspire others to follow suit, to take action, to use their weapons against their fellow Americans. It is an incredibly dangerous, and irresponsible thing. In the wake of this recent shooting at the Church of Latter-day Saints in Michigan, there were all sorts of people with theories online, spouting off different things that had no basis in fact, that actually were incredibly dangerous for law enforcement. A man showed up the next day, on the same site, with a gun in his car. He was arrested on the site. But I was in town getting a briefing from the FBI, when that happened. And so, it is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous for people to use heated rhetoric, and to accuse one group or another, when it is not one group or another. It is an American problem, that every person of goodwill should be able to say is wrong, is unacceptable, and every leader should be ready to do something about it.
Steve Paikin
From our vantage point north of the 49th parallel, it sometimes feels as if your country is on the brink of some kind of civil war. Now, it is not going to be the blue and the gray, like back in the 1860s, but it looks like you all hate each other, and want at each other’s throats. Is that a misimpression?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Well, I don’t hate people who don’t agree with me. In fact, I have learned a lot from people who don’t agree with me. Which is why every single day, I try to model the behaviour of making a seat at the table, not just for people who see the world the same way. In fact, I don’t learn as much, when I’m talking to people who I agree with everything on. I don’t have a corner on every good idea. I am willing and eager to learn, and to do right by the people that I serve, and that means listening. I travel the state of Michigan. I talked to people in my state. After the plot, it’s a little less comfortable for me to do that. I’ll just be honest. I don’t feel as comfortable walking into a big room with people that I don’t know, that I’ve never met before. I’m just, I can feel it. I’m more alert. I’m more taking it in. But I still do it. Because I know this: the average person is not the troll online, is not the talking head that is trying to get ratings. The average person is a good, hardworking person, who wants a fair shot, and wants their government to work as hard as they do, and to be as good, if not better, than they are. And that’s what I always remember, when I’m doing this. Of course, it can be depressing, when you see the hyperpolarization—and it’s not limited to the United States. It’s unique in the United States, but it’s not limited to the United States. And that’s why I take my role as a subnational leader of the tenth-largest state in the country, one of the purplest states, probably the purplest of the top ten big states, to take every opportunity to tell my Canadian friends and neighbours, that’s not who we are. Americans love Canadians. We rely on this relationship. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I wake up every day, and show up the way that I do. Because it’s not okay, and I’ve got to do my part to fight against us feeling like it is okay.
Steve Paikin
I plucked a quote from one of your speeches, though, where you said, “Political extremism has impacted all of us, tearing apart old friends, and tight-knit families.” Is there a cure for this?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Well, that’s what I’m seeking to show people. That we can disagree. We can disagree vehemently, and still have a beer afterward—or maybe not. You know, I think it’s okay to have arguments. It’s okay to have speech with which to disagree. But in a democracy, you accept that, and you move on to the next thing, or you just remove yourself from the conversation. You don’t pick up a gun. You don’t threaten someone. You don’t take away their right to say whatever thing you don’t agree with. That’s fundamental to a democracy. And I worry that there are people in power who don’t believe that. And that’s why I’m going to do everything I can to fight to protect those rights.
Steve Paikin
It’s been very easy for many Canadians to look at the Republican Party, and say, you know, “A pox on your house. You’re terrible, because of what the president is trying to do to this country.” But on the other hand, there is that very funny Will Rogers line, where he said, “I’m not a member of any organized political party. I’m a Democrat.”
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
A member of the Democratic party, yeah.
Steve Paikin
Which raises the question, you know, is your party capable of getting its act together to offer a decent alternative?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yes. Of course. You know, something that is really depressing, but that I have to point out, is we’re like eight months into a 48-month term.
Steve Paikin
You almost said 48-year.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yeah, yeah. Well. No one lives forever yet. And we have term limits, and we will continue to have term limits. But….
Steve Paikin
Do you think he’ll respect those term limits?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I don’t know. But the law will. So, I’m not, I’m confident of that. But I think that that’s important for perspective. There are a plethora of talented people in the Democratic party across the country. I’ve got so many wonderful colleagues, who I have deep respect for. And they certainly would put up a very compelling alternative. But it’s early on. And, you know, I’m not going to criticize any other Democrat for how they’re showing up. Every one of us has to show up, every one of us has to make the case, and every one of us is from a different part of the country. And we have important voices. So, I’m glad to see lots of voices. At some point, it’ll whittle down, and we will have a great alternative.
Steve Paikin
Several years ago, I found myself in this same chair, and Governor Bush of Florida, Jeb Bush.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I was wondering who the other two governors were that beat me here. So, Jeb Bush, who was the other? Do we know?
Steve Paikin
Who was the other one? Can’t remember. In fact, it might have been a long time ago. Anyway, I remember the very first question I asked him was, “So, are you running for president?” And his answer to me was, “What, no foreplay? We’re just going to go right to this?” So, I’m delighted to have….
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I’m not going to say that.
Steve Paikin
I was just going to say, we have managed to get some respectful foreplay out of the way, so now I can ask the question, which is obviously, lots of people are looking to you as a potential Democratic presidential nominee, when the time is right. I presume you are thinking about it, yes?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Well, it’s a big compliment that people look at me in that vein. I’ve got to tell you, right now—and I know every sitting governor would say this, and you’re all going to be suspicious—but I’ve got a big job right now to stay focused on, and I’m going to do that. I don’t want to take my eye off the ball, and go out having missed something, having lost something, having a catastrophe happen under my watch. That would be the worst thing for anything I want to do in the future. I don’t know if I need to be the main character in the next chapter, but I want to have a hand in writing it, and I think I’ve got an important vantage point, as the governor of an important swing state. And so, I anticipate helping, but I don’t know if I’m going to be the person.
Steve Paikin
So, if I see you next year giving a speech in Iowa or New Hampshire, I’m going to be very skeptical of that answer, right?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
I’ll still be governor of Michigan. I don’t know why I’d be in Iowa or New Hampshire.
Steve Paikin
Well, we’ll see. Here’s a quote from Ezra Klein, who said, “I don’t care about left-wing radicalism. I don’t think it’s some great threat. I worry about left-wing pessimism, fatalism, that we are losing, and we don’t want to change anything, and the question for me is, how do we win Senate seats in places like Kansas, and Missouri, and Ohio?” Have you got an answer for Ezra?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Senate seats for Ohio, and Kansas, and Missouri? I mean, the thing that I think about in Michigan is I get around into all 83 counties. My favourite thing to do is meet someone, and say, “If I’m lucky enough to get elected or re-elected, what could I do that will make your life better?” And if you ask people, they will tell you. It’s not rocket science. You don’t have to poll-test everything. They will tell you. When I ran for governor on a phrase, “Fix the damn roads,” people thought it was so brilliant. It was gritty. It was meeting people where they are. How did we come up with it? I said, “That’s just how people in Michigan talk about the roads. Fix the damn roads.” And it was a woman at the Detroit Children’s Hospital that I asked her, “If I’m elected, what could I do that would make your life better?” And I thought she’d talk about education or healthcare. She said, “Fix the damn roads.” And I said, “All right, tell me more. Why is this number one?” And she was driving from Flint to Detroit, going back and forth, hit a pothole; sideline her for a whole day, cost her hundreds of dollars out of her budget, rent, childcare that she needed. She missed that day with her son, in the hospital. And so, roads were front and centre for her.
And so, I think it’s really staying connected to the people, finding out what they need, putting together a vision of how you’re going to make their life better. It’s not rocket science. We need talented, exciting, new voices in the party, without question. But at the end of the day, people vote for someone they trust, who is going to keep their interests in heart, and help them make their lives better.
QUESTION & ANSWER
Steve Paikin
Okay. Let’s do a couple quick questions from the floor here, in our remaining moments. Here’s one. In the midst of a chaotic tariff policy that changes every day, why should Canada trust Michigan as a partner?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
We got a long relationship. Michiganers love Canada. We are intertwined. Our economies are intertwined. We’ve got to grow that, and solidify it. The tariff policy will make it very difficult. There’s no question. We’re going to continue to try to bring pressure to Washington, D.C. to stop the madness. But we know that the future is long. Our past is long. And that’s why Michigan is always going to be a good bet for Canadians. Many of you are already married to a Michigander, right? I met a number of you today. Clap for your spouse, all right? Come on. But Michigan is always going to be a good bet for Canadians, because we have this shared history, this shared culture, this shared future. And so, I think that’s why.
Steve Paikin
Okay. The light is blinking on me…
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Yes.
Steve Paikin
…here, so we’ll do one more. Any advice for young women going into public service careers?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
You know, I love public service. I’m a lawyer. There are a lot of things that I could have done, these last 20-some years. But I find this to be the most rewarding work that I could have ever done. I can see, when I get a budget done that feeds 1.4 million kids breakfast and lunch in school, I can see what it’s meant for their families. I know that what we’re doing matters. I hope that by showing up here, I’ve made an impression on some of you that what you see in America is one little data point. The reality is, this relationship is important. We love Canadians, and we want to continue to grow this relationship.
Steve Paikin
Last question. There is every possibility the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays are going to meet in the American League Championship Series. It’s possible. Recognizing the room you’re in right now, who do you think would win that series?
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Well, let’s talk about the NFL, since we’re all Lions fans. Go Lions!
Steve Paikin
Good dodge. Gretchen Whitmer, everybody.
The Hon. Gretchen Whitmer
Thank you.
Steve Paikin
Thank you. Well done. Thank you very much.
Saurabh Popat
Thank you so much, Governor Whitmer, for joining us today, sharing your perspectives, your values, and the shared relationship between Canada and the great state of Michigan. Thank you, as well, to Steve, for guiding this important conversation with your trademark insight and balance—and yes, Go Jays Go. And a special thank you to Flavio Volpe, and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, for your support and leadership, as today’s Lead Sponsor. Thank you, Flavio. Before we close, it’s my pleasure to invite David Olson to the podium. David is Chief Executive Officer for PNC Bank Canada, and has more than 25 years of leadership experience across the financial services industry in both the United States and Canada. He serves as National Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, and we’re very grateful for AmCham’s partnership in today’s event. Please join me, in welcoming David.
Note of Appreciation by David Olson, Chair, The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada
Thanks, Saurabh. And again, I’m Dave Olson, and today I’m here with my AmCham Canada hat on, serving as the chair. First off, thank you, Governor Whitmer. Your remarks were spot on. You hit all of the right points, and really emphasized the partnership and friendship that we have here in Canada and Michigan. Also, thanks, Steve. That was an awesome, hard-hitting panel. Quick answers. Right to the point. It was beautiful. At this point, I also wanted to just take a moment to thank you, Governor, for making this trip in. For those who haven’t worked on an event like this, there were a lot of ups and downs between budgets done, not done, US government budgets not done, in this case, and then the terrible events that we saw this weekend in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Thank you, for taking the time. Thank you, for showing how important this relationship is, for those of us here in Canada. It means a lot. It means a lot to us.
At the American Chamber of Commerce, or AmCham Canada, you know, we’re an affiliate of the US Chamber of Commerce, and we serve as the voice of US business here in Canada. We also increasingly serve as a voice for many of the companies here in this room, Canadian-headquartered companies, Canadian companies that see the same importance on that Canada-US relationship. On a day-in, day-out basis, we do a lot of work with our trade committees. We cover issues everywhere from trade, energy—which is our newest committee—defense and security, technology and innovation, life sciences. And the one thing that is clear to all of us, in any of those files, is that we believe passionately the Canada-US relationship is critical to both countries. Both countries.
We also believe that times of change can create opportunities. The coming CUSMA-USMCA review, and negotiations that surround that trade deal, can serve as an opportunity to strengthen the partnership. We see great alignment. You’ve heard it today, on the automotive industry. But when you think about things like energy, critical minerals, defense, security, technology, and innovation, we’re hopeful that that alignment can create benefits for both countries, and that we can bring all parties together to solve these problems, collectively.
We also know that our political leaders play an important role in strengthening that relationship. That belief was behind our decision to partner with the Empire Club today, to bring Governor Whitmer here to speak. As is true in Canada, the US has very few important and interesting politicians, who can make a real difference during these upcoming negotiations. As we’ve just seen, Governor Whitmer is certainly one of those people. And we thank her for her leadership in advancing the interests of Michigan, and the United States, and Canada. I hope that all of us walk away from today’s discussion determined to do our part to strengthen the largest bilateral trade and security relationship in the world.
Now, before I conclude, I just wanted to thank the amazing Empire Club team, my AmCham Canada team, the State of Michigan and Governor Whitmer’s office, as well as the US Embassy and Consulate, for making today happen. With that, I’m going to bring things back to my friend Saurabh to close us out. Thank you.
Concluding Remarks by Saurabh Popat
Thank you so much, David. And let me acknowledge once more the dignitaries, distinguished guests, and friends of the club, who joined us this afternoon. We’re very grateful for your presence, and participation. Finally, thank you again to our sponsors, our Event Partner, and, of course, to all of you for joining us. I’d also like to recognize the students and young leaders in the room, who will undoubtedly contribute to many more conversations that matter, students from the Munk School, and York University. Welcome. And thank you all for being part of our community, and helping to advance public dialogue on topics and conversations that matter.
To stay connected, please subscribe to our newsletter, by scanning the QR codes on your tables. And we also have a new membership program, so please see our staff at the registration desk for more information.
I also hope you’ll join us for two exciting upcoming events. On October 14th, we welcome back one of the famous Fords, Premier Doug Ford, for a keynote and fireside chat moderated by Ben Mulroney. On the eve of the Legislature’s return, Premier Ford will outline how Ontario plans to protect the economy, while keeping business competitive. Although this event is sold out, we invite you to join us virtually. Sign up on our website to receive your complimentary link.
On October 24th, we host another important conversation that matters with the Honourable David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, for his first Empire Club keynote address. He will speak on how Canada will meet its NATO commitments, strengthen our defence sector, and position Canadian industries for the future. Tickets for this event and more are on sale now.
As always, as a club of record, all Empire Club events are available to watch and listen on our website. The recording of today’s event will be available very shortly. Thank you all for being a part of this important conversation. Enjoy the networking reception, and we look forward to seeing you at future events. This meeting is now adjourned. Thank you.
