Governor Greg Abbott hosted Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada, at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin on Mar. 17 to discuss ways to strengthen energy, trade relations, and commercial ties between Texas and Canada.
The meeting focused on economic cooperation between Texas and Canada, which are significant trading partners. Both leaders emphasized the importance of a stable regulatory environment for business growth. Poilievre praised Texas for its free enterprise model and advocated for increased trade between the two regions.
Abbott highlighted Texas’s rapid economic growth, noting that the state has accelerated Liquefied Natural Gas production and leads in cattle, cotton, semiconductors, and aerospace. He also pointed out that tax incentives, a strong workforce pipeline, a friendly regulatory climate, and robust education contribute to innovation in Texas. “Mr. Poilievre reaffirmed his belief that it is to the benefit of Canada and Texas to continue to build the strong partnership between their respective energy industries,” according to a statement from Abbott’s office.
Both leaders agreed on the need for a strong defense partnership to protect against foreign threats. Over the past decade, Canadian companies have invested more than $11.5 billion across over 150 projects in Texas, creating more than 15,500 jobs. In 2025 alone, Canada was Texas’s second-largest export destination with over $34.5 billion in exports and $69 billion in total trade.
According to the official website, Abbott’s office contributed to leading job growth and record employment levels in Texas. The office maintains its primary location at the State Insurance Building in Austin according to official sources. Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to official records. The governor’s priorities include job creation, expanding economic opportunities, enhancing education, protecting individual liberties, empowering parents in schooling decisions, and securing the southern border according to official information.
Abbott has led his office since being elected governor in 2014 according to official sources, exercising authority statewide across Texas according to official reports.
