Five Things to Watch as Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau Visits Washington

Less than six months after leading his Liberal Party to a decisive victory over Stephen Harper’s Conservatives, 44-year old Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Washington, D.C. for meetings and a formal State Dinner March 10 hosted by President Barack Obama. The visit will be more symbolic than substantive as is typical for state visits – that is one reason why Harper opted for working meetings with U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Obama. 

There are at least five things that will determine the success of the visit overall and its significance for the U.S.-Canadian relationship.