International Trade

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss trade relations with China and Qatar. The first panel of witnesses included experts on trade, agriculture, and national security. Margaret McCuaig-Johnston warned about the risks of importing Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), citing concerns about data security, forced labor, and Chinese government influence. She suggested safeguards for joint ventures with Chinese companies, such as requiring Canadian control and technology transfer to Canadian firms. Tyler Fulton and Andrea Brocklebank from the Canadian Cattle Association discussed the importance of trade diversification for the beef industry, including renewed access to the Chinese market and opportunities in the Gulf region. They emphasized the need for halal accreditation and support for the beef industry. Bill Prybylski from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture highlighted the impact of Chinese tariffs on Canadian farmers and the need for stable, predictable market access. He also stressed the importance of diversifying into other markets and expanding value-added processing in Canada. The second panel included Garry Clement, Edmund Fitton-Brown, and Geoff Irvine. Garry Clement spoke about the economic, political, and strategic impact of China on Canada, emphasizing the need to treat economic security as national security. He warned about intellectual property theft, foreign interference, and the integration of state authority and corporate activity in China. Geoff Irvine from the Lobster Council of Canada discussed the challenges and opportunities in the Chinese and Qatari lobster markets, including the impact of tariffs and competition from other countries. Edmund Fitton-Brown from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies cautioned about Qatari investment, citing concerns about its Islamist agenda and strategic influence.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with the Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay). The committee heard from representatives from various Canadian industries, including beef and pork producers, poultry farmers, manufacturers, and the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce. Several witnesses from the Canadian Cattle Association, Canadian Pork Council, and Les Éleveurs de volailles du Québec expressed concerns about increasing access for Mercosur countries to the Canadian market. They argued that Mercosur countries have lower production costs, different standards for animal welfare and food safety, and could potentially harm Canadian producers. They worried about unfair competition and the impact on Canadian jobs and rural economies. Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association also warned that increased beef imports from Mercosur could damage Canada's relationship with the United States. On the other hand, Paola Saad from the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce argued that a well-structured trade agreement with Mercosur could unlock significant economic opportunities for Canadian businesses. She emphasized the importance of investment liberalization, strong investor protections, and addressing non-tariff barriers. Ryan Greer from Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters also supported deeper engagement with Mercosur, but stressed that domestic competitiveness is crucial for Canadian firms to succeed. The committee members discussed the potential benefits and risks of a trade agreement with Mercosur, focusing on issues such as market access, environmental standards, and the impact on Canadian industries. They agreed to invite representatives from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to a future meeting to discuss food safety and animal health concerns related to Mercosur trade.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relations with China and Qatar. The committee heard from Bijan Ahmadi of the Canada China Business Council, who emphasized the economic importance of trade with China, highlighting that it supports over 400,000 Canadian jobs. Ahmadi suggested improvements to trade such as lowering tariffs on Canadian pork and improving visa processing for Chinese partners. Michael Kovrig from StrategicEffects cautioned against increasing economic dependence on China, citing risks to Canadian sovereignty and national security, and suggested Canada should proceed cautiously with any new agreements. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses about the risks and benefits of trade with China. Kovrig warned about China's global agenda and the potential for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to use economic leverage to influence Canadian policy. He also raised concerns about the security risks associated with Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) entering the Canadian market. Ahmadi acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of maintaining a pragmatic and well-structured engagement strategy with China. Later in the meeting, the committee heard from Charles Burton, a senior fellow at Sinopsis, who expressed concerns about Canada's "strategic partnership" with China and the potential for the CCP to exploit it for its geostrategic purposes. Dustin Pike and Brittany Wood from the Canadian Canola Growers Association discussed the importance of the Chinese market for canola farmers and the recent agreement to reduce tariffs on Canadian canola seed and meal. Mehmet Tohti, from the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, raised concerns about forced labor in China and the need for Canada to strengthen its border controls to prevent the import of goods made with forced labor. The committee discussed the importance of balancing economic opportunities with human rights concerns and national security considerations.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss a proposed law about forced labour in supply chains. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay from the Bloc Québécois party introduced a motion criticizing the government for not introducing the law as promised in previous budgets. He pointed out that the government had promised this law in their 2023 and 2024 budgets, but it was not mentioned in the 2025 budget, and no law has been presented yet. Yasir Naqvi from the Liberal party suggested changing the motion. Instead of just criticizing the government, he proposed that the committee should ask the government to promise again to introduce the law and provide a detailed response about their plans. Savard-Tremblay agreed to this change. The committee members voted in favour of the changed motion. This means the committee will now ask the government to renew its promise to create a law against forced labour in supply chains and to explain their plan in detail. After this decision, the meeting moved to a private session.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss proposed law C-18, which would put the trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia into effect. Committee members went through the proposed law section by section, suggesting changes. Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay from the Bloc Québécois party proposed several changes related to environmental and human rights concerns, particularly regarding the palm oil industry in Indonesia. He wanted more monitoring and reporting on these issues. Some of Savard-Tremblay's proposed changes were initially rejected by the committee chair, but the committee members voted to allow them to be considered. Aaron Fowler from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, explained that the trade agreement already had some ways to deal with environmental and labor issues. He also said that Canada imports a very small amount of palm oil from Indonesia. Meda-Cristina Horacsek from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) was asked about goods seized due to human rights violations, but she didn't have the information immediately available. Ultimately, some of Savard-Tremblay's proposed changes were voted down, but one requiring an annual report related to human rights was accepted. Another successful amendment required a review of the agreement every three years. The committee then voted on each section of the proposed law, and it was passed with some opposition from the Bloc Québécois. The committee also agreed to add more associate members and discussed a work plan for future meetings, including a study on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss a proposed law to implement a trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. The committee heard from several witnesses who presented different perspectives on the agreement. The meeting began with adopting the study budget for the proposed law. Ian Lee, an associate professor, spoke about the importance of trade for a country's prosperity, arguing against protectionist policies. Jason Easton, representing AtkinsRéalis, highlighted the potential benefits of the agreement for Canadian companies, particularly in the nuclear energy sector. He emphasized that the agreement could create a more predictable environment for Canadian expertise to be applied to major projects in Indonesia. Michael Harvey, from the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, supported the agreement, stating that it could open new doors for Canadian agri-food exporters in a growing market. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the agreement, including its potential impact on trade with the United States, opportunities for Canadian businesses in Indonesia, and concerns about labor and environmental standards. Stuart Trew, from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, raised concerns about the agreement's investor-state dispute settlement process and its potential impact on human rights and environmental protection. Representatives from the Canadian Meat Council and Soy Canada spoke about the potential benefits of the agreement for their respective industries. The committee identified that amendments to the proposed law needed to be submitted by 6 p.m. that day, with a clause-by-clause review scheduled for the following Thursday. The committee is working towards a decision on whether to recommend the proposed law.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss a proposed law to implement a trade agreement between Canada and Indonesia. Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu explained that the agreement aims to create opportunities for Canadian businesses in a growing Indonesian market. He highlighted sectors like agriculture, forestry, and clean technology as areas where Canada can benefit. Minister Sidhu emphasized the importance of trade diversification for Canada's economic future. Committee members questioned the potential economic impact of the agreement, with some noting that a large percentage of Canadian goods already enter Indonesia duty-free. There were also questions about steel dumping, human rights, and environmental concerns in Indonesia. Members discussed whether the proposed law adequately addresses these issues. Minister Sidhu assured the committee that the agreement includes enforceable labor provisions and opens avenues for dialogue on environmental standards. The committee then moved to a clause-by-clause review of a proposed law related to international investment dispute settlements. Members debated several amendments, including proposals for increased transparency and reporting on the agreement's impact. Some amendments were ruled out of order, while one amendment requiring a review of the agreement every three years was approved. The committee ultimately approved the proposed law with amendments.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss proposed law C-13 regarding the UK's entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Witnesses from various organizations shared their perspectives on the potential impacts of this agreement. Jeff Nankivell from the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada spoke about the strategic importance of CPTPP expansion for Canada, emphasizing the need to build trade relationships with like-minded countries. Representatives from the Canadian Meat Council and the Canadian Pork Council expressed concerns about non-tariff barriers to trade with the UK, specifically regarding sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The Canadian Cattle Association also voiced opposition to the UK's accession due to these ongoing trade barriers. They argued that Canada lost negotiating power by allowing the UK to join CPTPP without addressing these issues. The Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners raised the issue of frozen pensions for UK pensioners living in Canada, urging the committee to delay ratification until the UK commits to addressing this inequity. The British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce supported the proposed law, highlighting the benefits of increased trade and investment between the two countries. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the proposed law, including the potential economic impacts, the fairness of trade relations, and the need to address non-tariff barriers. Some members expressed concern that Canada was giving up negotiating leverage without securing meaningful concessions from the UK. The committee discussed potential amendments to the proposed law and planned future meetings to continue their study. The committee agreed that any amendments to the proposed law would need to be submitted by 6 p.m. that evening.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Bill C-13, which would bring the United Kingdom into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu emphasized the importance of strengthening trade relationships with the U.K., highlighting that the proposed law would build upon existing agreements and create opportunities for Canadian businesses. He also addressed concerns about trade irritants and the need to ensure fair treatment for Canadian workers and exporters. The minister also defended his recent trip to China as necessary to resolve trade issues important to Canadian industries. Committee members raised questions about the benefits of the proposed law compared to previous trade agreements with the U.K. Conservative committee members argued that the deal was worse than the previous trade continuity agreement, citing higher tariff rates and weaker protections. They also questioned the government's approach to trade with China, expressing concerns about forging a strategic partnership with a country considered a security threat. The Minister responded that the CPTPP has opened up more access for many industries and that countries are lining up to join because of the high quality standards. Liberal committee members focused on the opportunities the proposed law would create for specific sectors, such as aerospace and clean technology. They also inquired about the government's efforts to support Canadian businesses in taking advantage of trade agreements. Bloc Québécois members questioned the government's compliance with its own policy on tabling treaties and raised concerns about investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms. Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, the Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency provided additional information and answered questions from committee members. The committee agreed to set a deadline of February 3 at 6 p.m. for proposing amendments to the proposed law, with plans to proceed to clause-by-clause consideration shortly thereafter.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss trade issues. The first part of the meeting focused on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the challenges posed by global economic tensions, particularly the trade war with the United States. Minister of Industry Mélanie Joly outlined the government's plan to protect and create jobs, attract talent and investment, and support industries affected by American tariffs. She emphasized the government's commitment to holding Stellantis accountable for its commitments to the Canadian auto industry and announced a notice of default under the contracts. Committee members questioned the minister on the details of the Stellantis contract and the government's approach to protecting jobs in the auto sector. They also discussed the importance of the cultural exemption in CUSMA and the impact of U.S. tariffs on various Canadian industries, including steel, aluminum, and lumber. The minister defended the government's actions and highlighted its efforts to support businesses and workers affected by the trade war. The second part of the meeting shifted to a discussion on forced labor in Canadian supply chains and related imports. Several experts in international trade and supply chain compliance testified before the committee. Sabrina Bandali discussed the challenges importers face in complying with the current law, which prohibits the importation of goods made with forced labor. She highlighted the difficulties in tracing supply chains and obtaining reliable information about labor practices. Stephen Pike provided context on the scope of forced labor and child labor exploitation globally and noted Canada's unique approach to addressing these issues through the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Sean Stephenson emphasized the need for greater transparency from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and clearer guidance for importers on complying with the forced labor ban. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of the forced labor issue, including the effectiveness of current enforcement measures, the need for greater transparency from the CBSA, and the potential impact of proposed legislation to create a rebuttable presumption that goods from certain regions are made with forced labor. The witnesses offered recommendations for improving Canada's approach to combating forced labor, including providing clearer guidance to importers, increasing transparency from the CBSA, and considering civil enforcement mechanisms. A Bloc Québécois member tabled a motion urging the government to act on its commitment to eliminate forced labor from Canadian supply chains, but discussion and a vote were deferred to a future meeting.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Witnesses from various sectors shared their concerns and recommendations. Martin Gendreau from Garaga talked about challenges with U.S. tariffs on steel and unfair competition from Asian imports. He asked for equal tariffs on American doors and anti-dumping measures for Asian products. Kurt Niquidet from the BC Lumber Trade Council emphasized the need for a resolution to the softwood lumber dispute and a stronger dispute settlement system within CUSMA. He noted that Canadian lumber producers have paid billions in unjustified duties. Daniel Tisch from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce stressed the importance of preserving CUSMA as a trilateral agreement and reducing sectoral tariffs. He suggested an "extend-and-refresh" approach to the review, rather than a complete rewrite. Michael Worry, CEO of Nuvation Energy, raised concerns about national security risks related to foreign-made control electronics in energy storage systems. He recommended mandatory security reviews for public procurements and improved point-of-origin definitions. Joslyn Young from the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade highlighted the need for a stable trade environment and modernization of CUSMA, including stronger protections for women and Indigenous peoples. The committee discussed potential next steps, including further investigation into the issues raised and potential policy recommendations.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss Canada's efforts to combat forced labor in supply chains. Witnesses from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Global Affairs Canada, and Public Safety Canada explained how they identify and prevent goods made with forced labor from entering Canada. Committee members questioned the witnesses on the effectiveness of current measures and the challenges in tracing complex supply chains. They also asked about the differences between Canada's approach and that of the United States, which has seized significantly more goods suspected of being made with forced labor. David Hutchison from Global Affairs Canada spoke about the importance of responsible business conduct for Canadian exporters and the role of the Trade Commissioner Service in providing guidance. CBSA representatives, Alexander Lawton and Graeme Hamilton, detailed the agency's efforts to target high-risk imports and engage with importers. They acknowledged challenges in obtaining information about supply chains and working conditions but emphasized their commitment to enforcing the import ban on goods made with forced labor. Jennifer Esdaile from Public Safety Canada spoke about her department's role in community safety and crime prevention. Committee members expressed concerns about the low number of shipments seized in Canada compared to the U.S. and questioned whether the CBSA had sufficient resources and political will to enforce the ban effectively. They also raised concerns about specific products, such as bicycles and solar panels, that have been identified as potentially being made with forced labor. The CBSA representatives stated that they are constantly reviewing their risk assessment process and working to improve information sharing with partner agencies. The committee agreed to invite the Minister to a future meeting to discuss these issues further. Finally, the committee agreed to a motion condemning unjustified American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automotive, and softwood lumber industries, and that it calls upon the government to live up to the promise it made in the election to “negotiate a win” and that all parties wish to see the government succeed in getting a good deal for Canada and its workers as well as the deployment of aid programs for affected sectors.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). They heard from representatives of various industries, including organic trade, animal health, steel construction, labour, and digital media. Each representative shared their perspectives on how CUSMA impacts their sector and what changes they would like to see in the upcoming review. Tia Loftsgard from the Canada Organic Trade Association emphasized the importance of maintaining stable trade relationships and keeping organic equivalency arrangements out of CUSMA negotiations. Catherine Filejski of the Canadian Animal Health Institute highlighted the benefits of CUSMA for the animal health industry and recommended strengthening intellectual property standards and regulatory cooperation. Keanin Loomis from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction called for a permanent exemption from U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and stronger domestic procurement clauses. Bea Bruske, representing the Canadian Labour Congress, stressed the need for worker-centered trade policies and the protection of public services. Graham Davies of the Digital Media Association raised concerns about the Online Streaming Act and its potential harm to economic relations with trading partners. Committee members asked questions about supply chains, trade barriers, and specific industry concerns. A motion was raised to express the committee's disappointment that the Minister of Industry had not yet appeared before them, and to request her appearance as soon as possible. The committee agreed to draft a letter to the Minister of Industry requesting her appearance, with a deadline for response. If no response is received, the committee will report to the House.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss forced labour in Canadian supply chains and related imports. Witnesses spoke about the need for stronger laws and enforcement to prevent goods made with forced labour from entering Canada. They also discussed the importance of holding companies accountable for human rights violations in their supply chains. Key speakers included Stuart Trew from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Elizabeth Kwan from the Canadian Labour Congress, Aidan Gilchrist-Blackwood from the Canadian Network on Corporate Accountability, and Sherap Therchin from the Canada Tibet Committee. Trew supported a proposed law to block imports made with forced labour and suggested coordinating import screening with the U.S. and Mexico. Kwan emphasized the need for legislation to strengthen Canada's import ban and a mandatory supply chain due diligence regime. Gilchrist-Blackwood stressed the importance of putting the needs of impacted workers and communities first and creating a non-judicial mechanism for remedy. Therchin focused on the risk of forced labour in Tibetan regions of China and its connection to global supply chains, particularly in the electric vehicle industry. Committee members questioned the witnesses about the effectiveness of existing laws, the role of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the potential for working more closely with the United States to combat forced labour. There was discussion about whether current laws are sufficient or if new legislation is needed. The committee agreed to invite representatives from the CBSA and the responsible minister to a future meeting to discuss these issues further. The committee also discussed the importance of a due diligence regime and the need for remedies for victims of forced labour.

The International Trade Committee met to discuss Canada's trade relationships and strategies. The first panel focused on Canada's trade diversification efforts and the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Sara Wilshaw from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, highlighted the government's goal to double Canada's non-U.S. exports over the next decade and mentioned new trade agreements with countries like Indonesia. Aaron Fowler, also from the department, addressed questions about the status of negotiations with the U.S., noting that active negotiations are paused. Committee members expressed concerns about transparency in these negotiations. The second panel heard from witnesses representing various sectors. Marie-Julie Desrochers and Hélène Messier from the Coalition for the Diversity of Cultural Expressions emphasized the importance of maintaining a cultural exemption in trade agreements to protect Canadian culture. They also raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on cultural diversity. Bettina Hamelin from Innovative Medicines Canada discussed the need to create a competitive environment for pharmaceutical innovation and to accelerate patient access to new medicines. Kamal El-Batal from MRC de Thérèse-De Blainville suggested reducing trade dependence on the U.S. market, better utilizing Canada's diplomatic network, and stimulating trade within Canada. During the meeting, Conservative committee members introduced motions regarding the Minister of Industry's absence from the committee and the American tariffs on the Canadian steel and aluminum industry. Due to time constraints and proposed amendments, the committee decided to defer discussion and voting on these motions to the next meeting. The committee agreed to prioritize the discussion on the motions at the beginning of the next meeting before moving on to the scheduled topic of forced labor.

The Canadian parliamentary committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationships, particularly concerning the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The committee heard from Arlene Dickinson, an investor in the agri-food sector, who emphasized the need for Canada to prioritize food security and build a strong national brand to compete globally. She suggested improvements to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and streamlining regulations to help businesses grow. Catherine Fortin LeFaivre and Gaphel Kongtsa from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce stressed the importance of maintaining the current CUSMA agreement, addressing tariffs, and enhancing North American economic integration. They highlighted key areas such as digital technologies, regulatory alignment, and workforce development. Charles Dutil, CEO of Manac Inc., a semi-trailer manufacturer, shared his experiences with exporting and importing, noting challenges due to tariffs and instability, and asked for fair and equitable trade rules between Canada and the United States. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including the role of the Prime Minister's Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian industries, and strategies for promoting Canadian products internationally. Dickinson discussed the need for a unified Canadian brand and streamlining the regulatory approval process for new manufacturing facilities. Fortin LeFaivre emphasized the importance of predictability for businesses and the need for a Team Canada approach to trade negotiations. Dutil highlighted the challenges of labor shortages and the need for skilled immigration. The committee explored potential strategies for maximizing Canada's resource wealth, including building more pipelines, improving infrastructure, and incentivizing domestic investment. There was also discussion about economic reconciliation with First Nations, including potential revenue sharing and equity ownership in major projects. The witnesses generally agreed on the importance of these initiatives for strengthening Canada's economy and trade relationships. Several committee members expressed concern about the potential for the United States to use the CUSMA review process to exert political pressure on Canada. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce representatives acknowledged this risk and emphasized the need for all three countries to work together to avoid destabilizing the trading relationship. They suggested focusing on areas where the business communities of the three countries can collaborate to find constructive solutions to shared challenges. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee members gained valuable insights from the witnesses regarding the challenges and opportunities facing Canadian businesses in the context of international trade. The discussion highlighted the need for Canada to be proactive in promoting its brand, diversifying its markets, and addressing regulatory and labor-related barriers to growth.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with the United States and Mexico, specifically focusing on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Representatives from various sectors, including chambers of commerce, the forest products industry, plumbing and heating, electric mobility, and the seed industry, shared their perspectives and recommendations. Key topics included energy security, supply chain resilience, labor mobility, trade predictability, and regulatory cooperation. Deborah Yedlin from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of certainty and stability for businesses, highlighting energy security, critical mineral supply chains, and labor mobility as key priorities for Canada in the CUSMA review. Doug Griffiths from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce stressed the need to protect existing CUSMA provisions and deepen cross-border relationships, advocating for a rapid-response mechanism for tariff escalations. Eric Johnson from the Forest Products Association of Canada called for a durable softwood lumber settlement under CUSMA and protection against national security tariffs. Daniel Breton from Electric Mobility Canada recommended protecting zero-tariff classifications for electrical energy, strengthening regional content rules for EV manufacturing, and establishing a trilateral framework for battery recycling. Lauren Comin from Seeds Canada supported preserving existing CUSMA text and maintaining tariff-free market access for seeds. Satinder Chera from the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating emphasized maintaining open, predictable, and tariff-free trade in essential building products and aligning regulatory standards. Committee members discussed the impact of tariffs on various sectors, the need for regulatory efficiency, and strategies for trade diversification. The committee passed motions to obtain lists of submissions and related briefing materials from Global Affairs Canada regarding public consultations on CUSMA. The overall sentiment was that Canada needs to work collaboratively with its CUSMA partners to ensure a fair and predictable trading environment that supports economic growth and job creation.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade met to discuss Canada's trade relationship with the U.S. and Mexico, focusing on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Witnesses included representatives from the forestry industry, Export Development Canada (EDC), and Quebec manufacturers, as well as former trade negotiators and agricultural groups. Jason Krips from the Alberta Forest Products Association stressed the importance of including the forestry sector in CUSMA renegotiations to avoid tariffs and quotas that harm Canadian communities. Todd Winterhalt from EDC highlighted the challenges Canadian exporters face due to trade uncertainties with the U.S., but also pointed out opportunities for diversification into new markets. Julie White from Manufacturiers et Exportateurs du Québec emphasized the need to preserve the spirit of CUSMA and ensure Quebec has a voice at the negotiating table. Steve Verheul, former chief trade negotiator for Canada, warned of challenges in the CUSMA review, particularly regarding tariffs and rules of origin. He emphasized the need for Canada and Mexico to align and convince the U.S. of the benefits of a trilateral agreement. Representatives from Dairy Farmers of Canada and Union des producteurs agricoles stressed the importance of protecting supply management and defending the agri-food sector. They cautioned against further concessions that could negatively impact Canadian farmers and food security. Committee members discussed strategies for dealing with the Trump administration, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and addressing trade imbalances. The committee agreed on the importance of a unified Canadian position and further consultations with industry, labor, and provinces to prepare for the CUSMA review. They also discussed the need to protect Canadian industries from unfair trade practices and to diversify export markets.