Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared this Thursday that, although he prefers Mexico to remain part of the T-MEC, it is possible that Canada “will have to look for other options” if the Mexican authorities do not apply strict measures regarding China. Trudeau expressed that his main priority is to defend the workers and the economy of his country, which is why his Government “leaves all doors open.”
The Canadian Prime Minister stressed in any case his agreement with the current treaty, but slipped his reservations regarding next year’s renegotiation. “We have an absolutely exceptional trade deal at the moment… it’s something we would like to see continue. That’s my first option.” Trudeau’s statements occur in the middle of the electoral pre-campaign, where he has announced his candidacy at the head of the Liberal Party, and after several regional prime ministers also came to the fore with a harsh speech against Mexico.
On November 12, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that if Mexico does not do something about it, Ottawa should begin negotiations with Washington to sign a bilateral agreement that excludes the Spanish-speaking country. Ontario is the most populated province in Canada and also the one with the greatest economic growth. Danielle Smith, Alberta’s premier, expressed a similar opinion five days later, noting that “Mexico has gone in a different direction” and that Americans and Canadians want to have “a fair trading relationship.” Alberta is the epicenter of hydrocarbon production in Canada.
This Monday, Trudeau met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in Rio de Janeiro, site of the G20 summit. Trudeau told reporters that he had addressed concerns about Chinese products directly with Sheinbaum. The Mexican president also spoke about the issue during her morning conference this Thursday and stressed that the Canadian prime minister does not share the harsh stance of his country’s regional politicians. “He doesn’t agree with that; He agrees to maintain the treaty between the three countries and strengthen relations. We talked about how it is important that there be a document that talks about the benefits for the United States, for Mexico and for Canada of the treaty, which is something important for when we sit down with President Trump. We also talked about privileging the commercial relationship between North America, with which we agree, and at the same time, having commercial relations with other countries in the world.”
**What are the potential economic and political ramifications for all three USMCA partners if Canada’s concerns regarding Mexico’s trade with China lead to significant revisions or even the dismantling of the agreement?**
## World Today News: T-MEC Tensions - A Roundtable Discussion
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Maria Sanchez:** Professor of International Trade and Economics at the University of Toronto
* **Miguel Rodriguez:** Former Mexican Ambassador to Canada
**Moderator:** Welcome to World Today News, where we dissect the complex issues shaping our world. Today, we delve into the recent tensions surrounding the USMCA, particularly concerning Canada’s stance on Mexico’s trade relationship with China.
Joining us are Dr. Maria Sanchez, a leading expert on international economics and trade at the University of Toronto, and Miguel Rodriguez, former Mexican Ambassador to Canada. Thank you both for your time.
**Section 1: Canada’s Position: Balancing Trade and Security Concerns**
**Moderator:** Prime Minister Trudeau has expressed concerns about Mexico’s trade with China while emphasizing his commitment to the USMCA. Dr. Sanchez, can you elaborate on the specific concerns Canada might have regarding Mexico-China trade and how these concerns intertwine with domestic politics?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Moderator:** Ambassador Rodriguez, how do you perceive these concerns from the Mexican perspective? Do you believe Canada’s worries are justified, and how might Mexico address them without compromising its own economic interests?
**Ambassador Rodriguez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Section 2: Regional Leaders vs. Federal Stance**
**Moderator:** We’ve heard strong voices from regional leaders in Canada, particularly premiers Ford and Smith, advocating for a bilateral US-Canada agreement excluding Mexico. Dr. Sanchez, what does this discrepancy between federal and regional stances suggest about the political landscape in Canada? Could it signal a potential shift in trade policy?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Moderator:** Ambassador Rodriguez, how might these statements from Canadian regional leaders impact Mexico’s approach to the USMCA negotiations?
**Ambassador Rodriguez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Section 3: The Future of the USMCA: Renegotiation and Beyond**
**Moderator:** The USMCA is up for renegotiation next year. How might these latest developments influence the negotiation process, Dr. Sanchez?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Moderator:** Ambassador Rodriguez, what steps can Mexico take to ensure a successful renegotiation and strengthen its position within the USMCA framework?
**Ambassador Rodriguez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: Implications for North America**
**Moderator:** What are the broader implications of these tensions for the future of North American trade and economic integration?
**Dr. Sanchez:**
**( Respondent answers)**
**Ambassador Rodriguez:**
**(Respondent answers)**
**Moderator:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this complex and evolving situation. It’s clear that the future of the USMCA hangs in the balance, with significant implications for all three member countries and the broader North American economy.
