Amidst the political speculation dominating Ottawa, Conservative Member of Parliament Jamil Jivani is making a distinct offer: to leverage his personal connections to assist Prime Minister Mark Carney's government in managing the crucial Canada-United States relationship.
A Direct Line to the White House
In an interview from his Parliament Hill office on Friday, January 16, 2026, Jivani outlined his unique position. The 38-year-old MP has a longstanding friendship with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, a bond forged during their time together at Yale Law School. Jivani believes this relationship grants him rare access.
"There are just not very many people who are in a situation where I think they can have a direct line to the White House," Jivani stated. "I do think I can at least get my phone calls answered, and I think that counts for something."
An Offer Extended Amidst Critical Negotiations
Jivani's offer comes at a pivotal moment. Canada has yet to secure a deal to remove or lower U.S. tariffs, and the countries are entering a critical review period of the trilateral trade agreement that includes Mexico. Despite his clear political stance as "decidedly non-liberal," Jivani has proactively reached out to Carney and key cabinet ministers handling the Canada-U.S. file.
He has sent private emails to the Prime Minister, as well as to Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Natural Resources and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson. While he has not yet received a response, Jivani remains hopeful that the government is considering his proposal.
A Friendship Forged in College
Jivani describes his relationship with Vance as one of old, good friends, built during formative years. He shared that their bond is so strong that if his cancer—a battle he has been public about since before his election in 2024—were to return, Vance would personally call both him and his mother. Their families are also acquainted.
In recent months, their interaction has been casual, limited primarily to participation in the same fantasy football league. When asked who has been more successful in the league, Jivani smiled and said, "I think it'd be fair for me to say I've been better. But he might disagree."
Jivani's office reflects his sports fandom, decorated with photos of legends like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Tom Brady, alongside an arcade-style basketball net. Yet, his focus remains on demonstrating his value in the political arena. His message to the government is clear: "Let me show what I can do" to help navigate one of Canada's most important and complex international relationships.
