QUESTION PERIOD — International Trade
Canada-U.S. Trade
April 22, 2026
Government Representative, in the U.S. Congress once again this morning, the Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Lutnick, reiterated the concessions he wants Canada to make in advance. As we know, negotiations are at a critical juncture and are not easy, to say the least.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Carney announced the creation of a new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. It’s worth noting that this committee is made up of people from various backgrounds from across Canada, including business people, union members and experts. Could you explain exactly what this committee’s mandate is and what it will do?
Before I explain the advisory committee’s mandate, I would like to remind senators of something that the Prime Minister said today. He made it very clear that, regardless of what the Americans may say, the U.S. will not be unilaterally dictating the terms of the negotiations on the review of the free trade agreement.
The advisory committee that was announced yesterday will serve as a forum for expertise and strategy on all aspects of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship. As you no doubt noticed from its composition, the advisory committee is quite large. It includes all sorts of people, including representatives of major sectors of the Canadian economy, unions and employers, along with former prime ministers and even former federal opposition leaders. I believe the committee —
Thank you, Senator Moreau.
Government Representative, can you tell us whether the government intends to do something similar with the premiers or provincial representatives? Last fall, we saw that unexpected moves made by certain provinces, even if well‑intentioned, can have a major impact on the negotiations. Can you tell us whether the government intends to implement a similar process with the provinces?
The government is in constant contact with the provinces, especially concerning the renewal of the free trade agreement. I have no doubt that conversations are taking place between the Prime Minister and the premiers.
In terms of its composition, the committee includes two former premiers, one from Nunavut and one from Quebec, Mr. Charest, someone I hold in the highest regard, as well as Mr. O’Toole. They will certainly be able to provide good advice and set the stage for collaboration between the provinces and the federal government.
