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Carney names broad team to advise on tense US-Canada trade talks
TL;DR
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a 24-member advisory committee to guide the country through upcoming trade negotiations with the U.S., aiming for diverse perspectives. The committee includes political leaders and industry executives, with its first meeting scheduled for April 27.
Key points
- Mark Carney announced a new advisory committee for US-Canada trade talks
- The committee consists of 24 members from various political and industry backgrounds
- Its first meeting is scheduled for April 27
Mentioned in this story
Mark CarneyErin O’TooleLisa RaittPJ AkeeagokJean CharestRalph GoodaleCanadian chamber of commerceCanadian union
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, says his new advisory committee on economic relations with the United States will draw on the “best advice and the broadest perspectives” as the country braces what many expect will be tense trade negotiations with its southern neighbour.
The 24-member advisory committee, announced on Tuesday, shows the prime minister’s eagerness to reach across the political spectrum to ensure Canada is “well positioned to advance its interests” at the looming trade talks.
Among those selected by the prime minister are the former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole and former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt. Carney also appointed the former provincial premiers PJ Akeeagok and Jean Charest, as well as the former Canadian high commissioner to the United Kingdom Ralph Goodale. Only four people were retained from the previous council, assembled by former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Carney also added executives from the banking, railway, energy and agricultural industries to the council, as well as leaders from the auto sectors, the Canadian chamber of commerce and one of the country’s largest unions.
The council will meet for the first time on 27 April.
On Sunday, the prime minister released a 10-minute video, speaking directly to Canadians about how the US, formerly a longtime political and economic ally, had “fundamentally” changed its approach on free trade. He said the US had raised its controversial tariffs to levels “last seen during the Great Depression”.
In a move that seemingly singled out Canada, Donald Trump ordered his government to place steep levies on Canada’s steel, aluminum, copper, lumber and automotive industries. In response, provincial leaders have pulled American liquor and wines from shelves and Canadians have maintained an informal – but effective – boycott of travel to the US.
“Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses,” said Carney in his video. “Weaknesses that we must correct.”
A review of the current version of the North American free trade agreement between Canada, the US and Mexico is scheduled for July.
Q&A
Who is on Mark Carney's new advisory committee for US-Canada trade talks?
The committee includes former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, former cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, and former provincial premiers PJ Akeeagok and Jean Charest, among others.
When will the advisory committee for US-Canada trade negotiations meet for the first time?
The advisory committee is scheduled to meet for the first time on April 27.
What is the purpose of the advisory committee announced by Mark Carney?
The committee aims to provide diverse advice and perspectives to ensure Canada is well positioned to advance its interests in the upcoming trade negotiations with the U.S.
