As Canada prepares for a review of its crucial free trade agreement with the United States next year, Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, emphasizes the importance of standing firm for a favorable deal. Payne expresses concern over some in the business community advocating for swift trade agreements, cautioning against rushing into deals at any cost. She emphasizes that hasty negotiations are detrimental and underscores Canada’s leverage in the discussions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that formal discussions with the U.S. to review their free trade agreement will commence in January. The upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal, known as CUSMA, will focus on addressing issues related to Canadian policies on dairy products, alcohol, and digital services, according to Washington’s trade representative.
Moreover, Canada has been engaged in discussions with the U.S. regarding sectoral tariffs impacting industries such as autos, forestry, and metal production. Payne stresses the need to take a tough stance and resist legitimizing tariffs in any form, advocating for Canada to withstand the pressure created by tariffs rather than giving in.
Payne highlights the importance of not allowing tariffs to become normalized and suggests that Canada should let the repercussions of tariffs exert pressure. She comments on the economic challenges faced by the U.S., including manufacturing job losses, declining new hires and payrolls, and impacts on the tourism industry and small businesses, which she believes place Canada in a stronger negotiating position.
Despite the complexities of the negotiations, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has raised concerns about Canada’s dairy market access and dairy exports in a statement to a congressional committee. In response, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to protecting the supply management of agricultural products while remaining open to negotiating specific sectors like forestry.
Payne acknowledges the unpredictability of dealing with President Trump and the possibility of the U.S. withdrawing from the trade deal. She emphasizes the need for Canada to be prepared for various scenarios without succumbing to unfavorable trade terms due to threats.
In essence, as discussions unfold, Canada aims to secure a fair and beneficial outcome in the upcoming review of its free trade agreement with the United States.