With the threats of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched the Council on Canada-U.S. Relations.

“Comprised of leaders in business, innovation, and policy, the members of the Council will use their sectoral expertise to support the prime minister and cabinet at this important time in the Canada-U.S. relationship,” noted a statement announcing the move.

The members are as follows:

• Jean Charest;
• Rachel Notley;
• Stephen McNeil;
• David MacNaughton;
• Steve Verheul;
• Arlene Dickinson;
• Linda Hasenfratz;
• Lana Payne;
• Jody Thomas;
• Flavio Volpe;
• Tabatha Bull;
• Shahrzad Rafati;
• Hassan Yussuff;
• Wes Hall;
• Martin Caron;
• Brian Topp;
• Tim Gitzel;
• Ambassador Kirsten Hillman; and,
• Peter Tertzakian.

The members of the council include Verheul, who was Canada's chief trade negotiator during the renegotiation of NAFTA.

Joining him on the council are former premiers Charest, Notley and McNeil.

Canada's Ambassador to the United States Hillman, former ambassador MacNaughton and Thomas, the prime minister's former national security adviser, are also joining the council. 

The group includes representatives from the automotive industry, the nuclear power sector, agriculture and the labour movement.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports when he takes office next week.

- With a file from The Canadian Press