Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday the creation of a new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations as Canada prepares for a key review of its continental trade agreement.
The federal government said the committee will provide strategic advice on all aspects of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship as Ottawa looks to maintain what it describes as a strong trade position, with 85 per cent of Canadian trade with the United States remaining tariff-free.
“Canada is approaching its economic relationship with the United States 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 United States that creates greater certainty, security, and prosperity for all,” Carney said.
The committee will be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, intergovernmental affairs, internal trade and One Canadian Economy.
Members include Jean Simard, Candace Laing, Darryl White, Lisa Raitt, Tracy Robinson, Flavio Volpe, Ron Bedard, Ken Seitz, Dennis Darby, Lana Payne, François Poirier, Émile Cordeau, Luc Thériault, Magali Picard, Jonathan Price, Susan Yurkovich, Michael Harvey, Tabatha Bull, Cameron Bailey, Valérie Beaudoin, Erin O’Toole, Jean Charest, P.J. Akeeagok and Ralph Goodale.
The advisory body is expected to hold its first meeting April 27.
The announcement comes ahead of the scheduled joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, which took effect July 1, 2020, and is set for reassessment on its sixth anniversary in 2026. The agreement can be extended for another 16 years if all parties agree.
“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 the perspectives of key sectors, support effective outreach, and strengthen Canada’s position as we establish a new economic and security relationship with the United States,” LeBlanc said.
The federal government said Canada’s trading relationship with the United States supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border and remains central to North America’s economic competitiveness. In 2024, the two countries exchanged nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services daily, while trade has increased by more than 27 per cent since the agreement came into force.
Carney thanked members of the former Council on Canada-U.S. Relations for their service, calling the period a consequential one for bilateral ties.
