Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed the Honourable Janice Charette as Canada’s next chief trade negotiator to the United States as the country prepares for a key review of its continental trade pact.
Carney announced the appointment Monday in Ottawa, saying Charette brings four decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy to the role.
Charette has served at the highest levels of the federal public service, including twice as clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet. She has also represented Canada abroad, including as high commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Working closely with Canada’s ambassador to the United States, Mark Wiseman, Charette will serve as a senior adviser to the prime minister and to Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Her responsibilities will include preparations for the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.
The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, known as CUSMA, came into force on July 1, 2020, for a 16-year term. The deal includes a provision requiring a joint review beginning on its sixth anniversary, July 1, 2026.
Canada and the United States share one of the world’s largest trading relationships, with more than $3.5 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily. More than 85 per cent of Canada-U.S. merchandise trade is tariff-free under CUSMA.
Carney also thanked Kirsten Hillman for her work as chief trade negotiator while serving as Canada’s ambassador to the United States, saying she defended Canadian values and interests and promoted a stronger future for Canadian workers.
“With four decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy, Janice Charette brings extraordinary leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Canada’s interests. As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States,” Carney said in a statement.
