LeBlanc to meet U.S. trade representative in Washington ahead of CUSMA review

Canada’s Minister of Canada–U.S. Trade Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington today as both countries prepare for a mandatory review of the continental trade agreement known as Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.

LeBlanc’s office said the meeting will focus on the upcoming review of the pact, commonly called CUSMA, as well as other bilateral trade issues between Canada and the United States. The agreement, which also includes Mexico, requires a joint review by member countries to determine whether the deal will continue or be adjusted.

The talks come after a period of tension between Ottawa and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Trade discussions stalled last year after Trump halted negotiations with Canada following an advertisement sponsored by the government of Ontario that quoted former U.S. president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.

U.S. officials signalled progress toward the review earlier this week. Greer’s office said Thursday that the Trump administration had begun negotiations with Mexico regarding the CUSMA review process.

Canada has already started domestic consultations on the agreement ahead of the review, but Ottawa has not formally launched negotiations with the United States.