**Canadian Provinces Urge Trudeau for a U.S.-Only Trade Deal, Excluding Mexico and USMCA**
On November 20, 2024, Ontario’s Premier, Doug Ford, announced that all Canadian provincial and territorial governments desire a federal negotiation for a direct trade agreement with the United States, excluding Mexico from the current USMCA framework. During a conference call with the 13 provincial and territorial premiers, Ford highlighted a unanimous consensus for a bilateral trade agreement solely with the U.S. and a separate one with Mexico.
Ford, leading Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, expressed concerns over competition issues posed by Mexico allegedly allowing Chinese products to enter their markets labeled as ‘Made in Mexico’ and being passed through to the U.S. and Canada. This, as claimed, causes job losses in the latter two nations. “There’s a clear consensus that everyone agrees we need a bilateral commercial agreement with the United States and a separate bilateral agreement with Mexico,” Ford said to journalists in Toronto following the provincial leaders’ call.
He further mentioned that the provinces requested a meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss these issues, with plans for provincial leaders to meet in Toronto in December 2024, and a follow-up meeting with U.S. governors in February 2025.
Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, echoed U.S. concerns about China’s influence via Mexican trade channels. Freeland, involved in U.S.-Canada relations, stressed the importance of addressing these issues with President-elect Donald Trump, who had previously set up the USMCA, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Trudeau supports maintaining the tripartite trade agreement, reinforced during a bilateral meeting at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. She referenced misconceptions regarding the treaty’s benefits, emphasizing the mutual advantages for all three nations.
In a press conference, Mexico’s Economy Secretary, Marcelo Ebrard, recalled past negotiations and ongoing dialogues concerning the treaty’s next review, which awaits Trump’s cabinet appointments. Ebrard insisted that a trilateral relationship is more beneficial compared to bilateral those not involving one of the partners.
**Secondary Article:**
**Canada-U.S. Trade Discussions Amid Shifting Global Alliances**
As Canada negotiates potential changes to its international trade relations, eyes are on recent developments concerning the handling and origins of global goods. Concerns about Mexico’s trade practices involving Chinese goods have led to broader discussions about North American economic structures.
Earlier in November, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed concerns about Chinese investments in Mexico during his dialogue with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the G20 Summit. The bilateral talks emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade relations across the continent, with direct implications for the USMCA’s future.
Furthermore, a refusal by Mexico to consider joining the BRICS economic bloc reiterates its commitment to North American trade networks. Both the leaderships of Canada and Mexico recognize shared economic interests and mutual investments as keystones to ongoing developmental strategies—maintaining a cohesive front is paramount in avoiding external economic threats.
In this dynamic environment, Canada’s provincial leaders push Justin Trudeau’s administration to strategically navigate partnerships—balancing existing trilateral agreements while exploring potential bilateral opportunities to best serve Canadian economic interests. The unfolding events set the stage for a crucial reevaluation of trade alliances and their implications for the Canadian economy.