In Ottawa, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer publicly outlined the must-do conditions for extending the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) before a long-term renewal is agreed. Speaking to U.S. lawmakers, Greer stressed that while CUSMA has delivered benefits, several core areas require fixes to secure another 16 years of trade under the pact. The negotiations are taking place with Canadian policymakers, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and U.S. ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra, in the room as Washington and Ottawa map the path forward.
Greer highlighted five focal areas. First, improved market access for U.S. dairy products remains a top priority as Washington seeks steps that would ease Canadian dairy constraints under supply management. Second, the review calls for revisions to Canada’s Online Streaming Act, aiming to align on regulatory standards for digital services with North American partners. Third, negotiators are pressing an end to provincial bans on distributing U.S. alcoholic beverages, arguing for a more open alcohol market across provinces. Fourth, Greer pointed to discriminatory procurement measures that allegedly tilt the playing field in favor of domestic suppliers. Fifth, additional regulatory imbalances and other compliance issues across sectors were flagged as needing attention before renewal.
Canada has signaled that it will not dismantle supply management but is open to a balanced set of changes. Ottawa’s position is to pursue targeted reforms and bilateral arrangements rather than a wholesale overhaul of the system. The objective, observers say, is to secure improvements that ensure a more predictable, long‑term framework without provoking annual renegotiations.
The moment is delicate: the U.S. administration wants a negotiated package of improvements before renewing CUSMA; Canada seeks constructive changes that preserve its strategic interests while maintaining supply management. If consensus is reached on dairy access, streaming, and procurement reforms, Canada could extend the pact for another 16 years, potentially through a combination of sector‑specific reforms and bilateral deals across markets.
The CBC report by John Paul Tasker and other coverage suggests that the talks will hinge on whether Canada can deliver tangible reforms without dismantling supply management, and whether the process can avoid a new cycle of renegotiations. Washington’s trade team argues that a more open regulatory environment and fairer procurement rules will benefit both sides, while Ottawa emphasizes maintaining a balanced approach that safeguards domestic programs. The next steps involve formal talks and parliamentary consideration in both countries as stakeholders weigh the long-term consequences of renewal.
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