QUESTION PERIOD — Global Affairs
Canada-United States Relations
June 3, 2026
Senator Moreau, last week in New York, the Prime Minister once again promoted the idea of “Fortress North America,” telling an American audience that “Canada Strong will help make America great again.” Yet, during the same week, he welcomed China’s foreign minister to Ottawa, seeking closer ties with the regime in Beijing. Now these mixed messages are catching up to Canada.
Just this morning, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed tariffs of 10% or more on certain Canadian products, citing concerns about Canada’s enforcement of forced labour import restrictions.
Senator Moreau, why is the Prime Minister compromising our most important trading relationship instead of focusing on a successful Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA, renegotiation?
Just this week, Minister LeBlanc was in Washington to continue discussions with the U.S. partner concerning CUSMA.
If you have an answer, please provide it, and stop talking when I’m trying to answer the question of your colleague, Senator Batters. This is quite difficult to do.
Now, this morning, the Prime Minister was quite clear. These tariffs will not affect any goods under CUSMA, and we still have the best relationship with the United States as far as commerce and tariffs are concerned.
We are doing everything we can to protect Canadians from those unjustified tariffs, but, senator, you must accept that we are facing a rupture in the geopolitical relationship when you are listening to the U.S. President at this time.
I didn’t mention the U.S. President.
Senator Moreau, Chinese-made electric vehicles, or EVs, are now entering Canada in significant numbers. Nearly 3,000 vehicles arrived last month alone. We cannot champion “Fortress North America” while opening the doors to products from a regime linked to forced labour and human rights abuses.
Which is it, Senator Moreau: Closer alignment with our North American partner or deeper engagement with Beijing?
Senator, we are a facing a rupture in the geopolitical relationship. I just mentioned that. Strained supply chains and climate change impact our economy.
Canadians are looking for a plan, and the government has one: diversifying our trading partners. That’s exactly what we’re doing with 12 new strategic agreements.
Do you accept that Canadian businesses should be able to do business all around the world to increase our economy? The government thinks so.
