Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to unveil a new advisory council focused on Canada and U.S. trade on Tuesday, as per two informed sources. This council will replace the previous one established by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early 2025. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, shared this information with CBC News.
The former advisory group, assembled by Trudeau, consisted of former premiers, labor leaders, industry representatives, and diplomats. It remains uncertain whom Carney will select for his council. Trudeau had formed a similar advisory committee during the trilateral talks that led to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) during the first term of U.S. President Donald Trump. This trade pact is scheduled for a review this year.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday, as indicated in a joint statement released by Greer’s office. The statement mentioned plans for an “official bilateral negotiating round” between the U.S. and Mexico to take place in late May.
In response to inquiries about the start date for negotiations with Canada, a spokesperson for Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc did not provide a specific timeline but mentioned ongoing engagements with U.S. counterparts. The spokesperson affirmed Canada’s readiness, stating that several proposals have been submitted to the Americans, and Canada is prepared to swiftly reach a deal without causing delays.
Greer had previously suggested the possibility of dividing CUSMA into separate bilateral agreements with Canada and Mexico. Prime Minister Carney highlighted Canada’s trade vulnerabilities in a video posted on Sunday, stressing the need to address weaknesses in sectors like auto, steel, and lumber due to Trump’s tariffs. Carney emphasized the significant shift in the U.S. trade approach and the necessity to rectify the country’s trade ties with America, which have transformed from strengths to weaknesses. Carney’s video aimed to update Canadians on efforts to diversify trade and address imminent threats faced by the nation.