Canada open to “bigger” trade deal than USMCA: LeBlanc
Canada has begun its review of the USMCA and according to Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Canada is open to a “bigger” trade deal if the Trump administration proposes one.
Canada has begun its review of the USMCA and according to Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Canada is open to a “bigger” trade deal if the Trump administration proposes one.
While in Mexico discussing a separate agreement, LeBlanc signalled on Friday that Canada would sign onto a broader deal if certain sticking points are addressed.
“The Prime Minister … will sign a bigger deal if one is in front of us, if one is available that’s in the interest of the Canadian economy [and] Canadian workers,” LeBlanc told reporters in Mexico City.
“We continue to have conversations around the security relationship with the United States. All of those larger issues are still very much active.”
The minister confirmed Canada will participate in the scheduled review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) after Washington gave formal notice earlier this week.
LeBlanc stressed the process is a review rather than a renewal and that the government’s immediate priority is to secure relief in the auto, aluminum and softwood lumber industries.
“Those conversations are ongoing,” he said, noting Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, speaks with her senior counterparts “a number of times a week.”
LeBlanc added that senior Finance Department official Michael Sabia was in Washington recently and is expected to return in the coming weeks for further talks.