QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Internal Trade
Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
February 24, 2026
Minister, it’s good to have you here. You recently returned from Mexico after leading probably the largest Canadian delegation in commercial terms to that country, which, of course, is our third-largest trading partner. Much is on the line, obviously, for both of us in the renegotiation — if that’s what it comes to — of CUSMA and the overall tension.
I’d like to ask you about opportunities for closer collaboration between Canada and Mexico but also whether the bilateral thinking with your counterpart is aligned in terms of any specific sector revisions versus starting from scratch. That’s the first question. And if we are to expand our trade with Mexico, can we do that without sending product through the United States, specifically via intermodal transport along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts?
Senator Boehm, thank you for the question. Of course, you have considerable experience yourself in the relationship between Canada and Mexico. You’re right; it was the largest bilateral trade mission in decades. Almost 400 Canadians accompanied me, representing 230 businesses — big and small — and business associations. It involved three cities: Guadalajara, Monterrey and Mexico City.
On the first question, Senator Boehm, regarding the Mexican government, I had the opportunity to meet President Sheinbaum with some colleagues. My vis-à-vis is Secretary Ebrard. We are very much aligned with the Government of Mexico in terms of the importance of a trilateral review, not a renegotiation of CUSMA. They are of the view, as we are, that there is a lot of benefit to the three economies to having a trilateral free trade agreement. One country has some particular issues with Mexico and Canada. We can work through those, we believe, and preserve the important trilateral framework. That’s the view that the Mexicans expressed to me. It’s one with which we are in complete agreement.
If we want to increase our bilateral trade between Canada and Mexico, separate and apart from the North American free trade context, you are absolutely right, senator, that intermodal transport links are critical. An iconic Canadian rail company, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, has invested considerably and has a huge footprint in Mexico; and LOGISTEC, a Quebec company, is acquiring a port on the east coast.
I yield the remainder of my time to Senator Loffreda.
