Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland formally introduced a Ways and Means motion in the House of Commons yesterday, to kick start ratification process of USMCA. She noted the lifting of US steel and aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports, as announced on May 17, has paved the way for formal approval of the new North American trade agreement.
However, Freeland also emphasized, “the entry into force of this agreement does not depend solely on Canada… Insofar as possible, we intend to move in tandem with the United States.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated last week he’s eager to ratify the deal. Freeland also said the government is “full steam ahead”. But She didn’t indicate whether the government would push to get it done before parliament goes into recess, in four weeks.
