THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
OTTAWA, Wednesday, May 27, 2026
(36)
[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, Ataullahjan, Boehm, Coyle, Deacon (Ontario), Harder, P.C., Hébert, MacDonald, Ravalia, Robinson, Wilson and Woo (12).
Participating in the meeting: Brian Hermon, Analyst, 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:
Future Borders Coalition:
Laura Dawson, Executive Director (by videoconference).
As individuals:
Steve Verheul, Co-Chair, Coalition for North American Trade; Principal, GT and Company Executive Advisors;
Meredith Lilly, Professor, Carleton University;
John M. Weekes, Former NAFTA Chief Negotiator for Canada.
Laura Dawson and Steve Verheul each made a statement and answered questions.
At 5:14 p.m., the committee suspended.
At 5:17 p.m., the committee resumed.
Meredith Lilly and John M. Weekes each 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