Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to convene with the provincial leaders in Ottawa later this month, marking the beginning of a busy year as the mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) gains momentum. The initial ministers’ gathering is set for Jan. 29, preceded by a dinner the previous evening, as indicated by sources familiar with the arrangements but not authorized to disclose publicly.
Throughout the past year, the prime minister and the premiers have been engaging in periodic meetings, often conducted virtually, amid the backdrop of the trade tensions instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The repercussions of Trump’s tariffs persist in adversely affecting various Canadian sectors such as steel, aluminum, and automotive industries, fostering economic uncertainty.
Anticipations are high for deepened discussions this year, especially with the comprehensive review of CUSMA now in progress. The U.S. administration’s trade representative has already outlined a set of conditions that they seek to be fulfilled for extending the trade agreement beyond its expiration in 2036.
In a recent address to Congress in December, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged the partial success of CUSMA but emphasized the necessity for modifications before President Trump consents to its extension. Greer highlighted persistent trade concerns for the U.S., including Canada’s dairy quota system, online streaming regulations impacting tech giants like Netflix and Spotify, and the ongoing provincial boycotts of U.S. alcohol products.
The upcoming gathering between Carney and the premiers coincides with the return of Parliament and follows Carney’s recent trip to China, where discussions on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security were at the forefront.