OTTAWA -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced that he will hold a Cabinet retreat from Jan 20 to 21 to focus on defending Canadian interests.

With the threats of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration, Cabinet will protect and defend Canadian interests, said Trudeau in a news release.

"Team Canada will use expanded capabilities to strengthen Canada's relationship with the US, protect Canadian investment and jobs, and make unequivocally clear the mutually beneficial relationship our two countries share," said the prime minister.

Cabinet will advance the priorities including bolstering cross-border trade, reinforcing supply chains, and creating jobs on both sides of the border.

Trudeau announced last week he was stepping down and would stay on as prime minister until his successor is chosen.