Statement by Foreign Affairs Minister on NAFTA

May 18, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. administration’s notification to Congress of its intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):

“NAFTA’s track record is one of economic growth and middle-class job creation, both here in Canada and throughout North America. Nine million American jobs depend on trade and investment with Canada. Our integrated economies and supply chains support millions of jobs across the continent.

“Today’s formal announcement by the U.S. administration is required by the U.S. Congress. This three-month notice period has long been anticipated and is specifically a part of the U.S. domestic process.

“In recent months, with respect to NAFTA, my colleagues and I have been listening to Canadians from across the country and from all sectors and backgrounds. We will continue to consult closely with the provinces and territories, industry, unions, civil society, think tanks, academics, Indigenous peoples, women, youth and the general public. This will enable us to assess what matters most to Canadians and to advance our interests.

“We are at an important juncture that offers us an opportunity to determine how we can best align NAFTA to new realities—and integrate progressive, free and fair approaches to trade and investment.

“We are steadfastly committed to free trade in the North American region and to ensuring that the benefits of trade are enjoyed by all Canadians.”

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