Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday unveiled an expanded advisory body to guide economic relations with the United States, keeping only four individuals from the council established under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The new 24-member committee will be led by Dominic LeBlanc, the minister tasked with overseeing trade with the United States, the prime minister’s office said.
The advisory group is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on April 27. Its creation comes as Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare to review the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) - referred to in Canada as CUSMA - which is due for a formal review by July 1.
Officials and economists have pointed to the USMCA as a critical buffer for Canada against the effects of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. According to the information released with the announcement, Canada sends nearly 70% of its total exports to the United States. As much as 85% of goods moving to the U.S. are exempt from tariffs under the trade framework, a protection economists say helped Canada avoid slipping into a recession.
Business and industry groups are pressing the government for an extension of the agreement. The statement noted that uncertainty over the deal’s future has weakened investment and slowed hiring, prompting calls from private-sector leaders for policy stability.
Only four members from the previous advisory council were retained. Among those who remain on the new committee are Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association; Lana Payne, president of Unifor; Tabatha Bull, chief executive officer of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business; and Jean Charest, a former deputy prime minister.
The announcement also listed several other high-profile appointees: Erin O’Toole, former federal Conservative leader; Candace Laing, chief executive officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; and Dennis Darby, president of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Context on trade and the committee
The committee’s formation and the timing of its first meeting are directly connected to the approaching USMCA review window. With a significant share of Canadian exports destined for the U.S. and a large portion of those shipments protected from tariffs, the advisory panel’s remit will likely focus on maintaining cross-border trade continuity while addressing business concerns about investment and hiring amid uncertainty.
Next steps
The advisory committee will convene on April 27; further meetings and specific recommendations were not detailed in the announcement.