Ford says all premiers aligned on push for Canada to have bilateral trade deal with U.S.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has announced that all provincial and territorial premiers are in agreement with his proposal for the federal government to negotiate a separate bilateral trade deal with the United States. Ford, who currently chairs the Council of the Federation, a group consisting of Canada’s 13 premiers, stated that during a call on Wednesday, there was a unanimous consensus that Canada requires distinct agreements with both the U.S. and Mexico.

Ford emphasized the need for fair trade, highlighting concerns about Mexico importing inexpensive Chinese parts, rebranding them as “made-in-Mexico,” and exporting them through the U.S. and Canada, resulting in job losses in both countries. When asked if the premiers supported his suggestion for a bilateral deal with the U.S. while excluding Mexico, Ford confirmed their agreement.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey explained that the premiers had discussed a contingency plan in case the current Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement fails. The agreement is set to undergo review in 2026, prompting the premiers to consider the possibility of supporting two separate bilateral agreements.

One of the main concerns driving the premiers’ call for a bilateral deal with the U.S. is the issue of Chinese transshipment through Mexico. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged that members of both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations have expressed serious worries about Mexico serving as a “back door” for Chinese goods. Freeland reassured Canadians that Canada is closely aligned with the U.S. on addressing Chinese trade issues.

Despite the premiers’ unified stance, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the proposal, stating that Mexico originally advocated for Canada’s inclusion in the trilateral trade deal. Trudeau raised the issue with Sheinbaum during the G20 summit in Brazil, underscoring Canada’s concerns directly to the Mexican president.

Trade researcher Stuart Trew from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives suggested that the premiers’ move may be an attempt to divert attention from potential tariff actions by President Donald Trump. Trew advocated for collaboration between Canada and Mexico to develop a joint trade strategy during the upcoming Trump administration.

In conclusion, the premiers are calling for a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to further discuss the idea of negotiating a separate bilateral trade deal with the United States. The evolving situation underscores the complexities of international trade relations and the necessity for strategic cooperation among nations.