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. Sources, who requested anonymity, revealed that Carney will lead the first ministers’ meeting on Jan. 29, preceded by a dinner the night before.
Throughout the past year, the prime minister and the premiers have engaged in periodic discussions, often virtually, amidst the backdrop of the trade tensions instigated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ongoing imposition of tariffs by Trump has continued to impact various Canadian sectors such as steel, aluminum, and auto industries, fostering economic uncertainty.
Anticipations are high for intensified dialogues this year as the CUSMA review process ramps up. The U.S. trade representative has already outlined a set of conditions that the administration seeks to incorporate for extending the trade agreement beyond its current term, potentially until 2036.
In a recent address to Congress in December, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged the partial success of CUSMA but highlighted the necessity for modifications before the extension can be agreed upon by Trump. Greer specifically cited persistent trade issues such as Canada’s dairy quota system, regulations on online streaming services affecting tech giants like Netflix and Spotify, and the ongoing alcohol boycotts in certain provinces of the U.S.
Carney’s forthcoming meeting with the premiers aligns closely with the return of Parliament and follows his upcoming visit to China, where discussions on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security will take precedence.