Canada Urges USMCA Renewal for Another 16 Years Amid Trump’s Canadian State Remarks]

TORONTO — Canada is urging the United States and Mexico to extend the North American free-trade agreement for another 16 years, as U.S. President Donald Trump reignites discussions about incorporating Canada as the 51st state.

Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister for U.S. trade, sent letters to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday, recommending the renewal of the agreement.

“The Agreement is highly beneficial to each of our countries and to the integrated North American economy,” LeBlanc wrote.

The letter comes ahead of the scheduled July review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the latest iteration of a North American free-trade pact that has linked the economies of the United States, Mexico and Canada since the early 1990s.

LeBlanc and Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator, Janice Charette, are in Washington on Tuesday for meetings with Greer. LeBlanc previously warned that the free trade agreement could face annual reviews, with uncertainty potentially being the objective of the Trump administration.

On Monday, Trump posted “51st State!” on social media, linking to a news article reporting that Canada is experiencing a technical recession. The post was later reposted by U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra.

In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford wrote on Tuesday, “I can’t believe I have to say this again, but Canada will never be the 51st state. Canada is not for sale.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged some weakness in the Canadian economy as he entered Cabinet on Tuesday. Carney noted that the U.S. has approximately 30 trade irritants with Canada compared to nearly 60 with Mexico.

Under the current agreement, the U.S. could withdraw with six months’ notice, while the deal can either be renewed for another 16 years or subject to annual reviews going forward.

“There is a possibility of a new partnership there,” Carney said.

The USMCA has enabled Canada and Mexico to largely avoid Trump’s protectionist measures, as many goods from those countries are covered by the free-trade agreement. However, specific tariffs on items such as aluminum continue to strain the integrated North American economy.

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