THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

OTTAWA, Wednesday, November 26, 2025
(14)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met this day at 4:14 p.m., in room C128, Senate of Canada Building, the chair, the Honourable Peter M. Boehm, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Adler, Al Zaibak, Ataullahjan, Boehm, Coyle, Deacon (Ontario), Gerba, Harder, P.C., Hébert, MacDonald, Ravalia, Wilson and Woo (13).

Participating in the meeting: Brian Hermon and Zachariah Black, Analysts, Library of Parliament.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the committee continued its study of foreign relations and international trade generally. (Topic: CUSMA and Canada's trade relationships with the United States and Mexico)

WITNESSES:

Business Council of Canada:

Louise Blais, Senior Advisor.

Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

Roberto Velasco Álvarez, Undersecretary for North America (by videoconference).

Louise Blais made a statement and answered questions.

At 5:15 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 5:24 p.m., the committee resumed.

Roberto Velasco Álvarez made a statement and answered questions.

At 6:14 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Chantal Cardinal

Clerk of the Committee