Canada forms new advisory committee to strengthen US trade relations

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a new Advisory Committee on Canada-United States economic relations to guide strategy ahead of the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The move comes as Canada seeks to preserve favourable trade terms, with 85 per cent of its trade with the US remaining tariff-free.

The committee will serve as a forum for expert advice on trade, investment, labour and economic strategy, and will be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, minister responsible for Canada-US Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy. It includes leaders from across key sectors of the Canadian economy and will hold its first meeting on April 27, 2026.

Canada has formed a new advisory committee to guide its economic strategy with the United States ahead of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review.
With 85 per cent of trade remaining tariff-free, the move aims to deepen collaboration, safeguard market access and better position Canada for upcoming negotiations and evolving trade dynamics.

Carney announced members including Jean Simard, Candace Laing, Darryl White, Lisa Raitt, Tracy Robinson, Flavio Volpe, Ron Bedard, Ken Seitz, Dennis Darby, Lana Payne, Francois Poirier, Emile Cordeau, Luc Theriault, Magali Picard, Jonathan Price, Susan Yurkovich, Michael Harvey, Tabatha Bull, Cameron Bailey, Valerie Beaudoin, Erin O’Toole, Jean Charest, P.J. Akeeagok and Ralph Goodale.

The initiative replaces the former Council on Canada-US relations and aims to strengthen engagement with business and labour stakeholders while positioning Canada for future negotiations.

“Canada is approaching its economic relationship with the US with focus, discipline and unity. This new Advisory Committee ensures that government is drawing on the best advice and the broadest perspectives to advance Canada’s economic interests. Our goal is a strong economic partnership with the US that creates greater certainty, security and prosperity for all,” Carney said.

“Canada is strongest when governments, workers, businesses and industry leaders pull in the same direction. This Advisory Committee will help us stay closely connected to key sector perspectives, support effective outreach and strengthen Canada’s position as we establish a new economic and security relationship with the US,” LeBlanc added.

Canada-US trade remains a cornerstone of North America’s economy. In 2024, both countries exchanged nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services daily. Together with Mexico, the three countries represent a market of 517 million consumers with a combined GDP of $48.8 trillion. Since CUSMA came into force on July 1, 2020, bilateral trade has increased by more than 27 per cent, or $196 billion.

CUSMA, which is in force until 2036, will undergo a mandatory joint review on July 1, 2026. Member countries will decide by consensus on potential updates or an extension for another 16 years. If no agreement is reached, annual reviews will continue until consensus is achieved or the agreement expires.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)