Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to announce the formation of a new advisory council focused on Canada and U.S. trade, as disclosed by two reliable sources. This council will replace the previous one established under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early 2025. The sources, not authorized to speak publicly, have chosen to remain anonymous.
The former advisory group, assembled by Trudeau, consisted of former premiers, labor leaders, industry representatives, and diplomats. It remains uncertain who Carney will select for his council. Trudeau had organized a comparable advisory committee during the trilateral negotiations that resulted in the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) during Donald Trump’s presidency. This trade agreement is scheduled for review this year.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer held a meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday, as stated in a joint release from Greer’s office. The statement outlined plans for an “official bilateral negotiating round” between the U.S. and Mexico in late May.
When questioned about the initiation of negotiations, a spokesperson for Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc did not provide a specific timeline but mentioned ongoing engagement with U.S. counterparts. The spokesperson expressed Canada’s readiness and willingness to swiftly reach a deal, emphasizing that Canada will not be a hindrance.
Greer had previously suggested the possibility of dividing CUSMA into separate bilateral agreements with Canada and Mexico.
In a recent video message, Prime Minister Carney addressed the vulnerabilities in Canada’s relations with the U.S., noting concerns for workers in industries such as auto, steel, and lumber due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Carney highlighted the shift in the U.S.’s trade stance, emphasizing the need to rectify weaknesses that have emerged from the once-strong ties between the two countries.
Carney’s video aimed to communicate directly with Canadians about the challenges facing the nation and assured updates on efforts to diversify trade relationships.