No rush: Canada’s U.S. ambassador wants quick NAFTA deal but won’t take bad one

MacNaughton made the comments prior to briefing the leaders of Canada’s provinces and territories on trade and the upcoming NAFTA talks.

In May, U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration gave notice it wants to renegotiate the 23-year-old tripartite North American Free Trade Agreement. The president says it is obsolete and unfair to American workers.

On Monday, the U.S. released a list of what it wishes to see changed when talks begin next month.

The U.S. wants more exports of its dairy and other agricultural products, free trade in telecommunication and online purchases, and the elimination of independent dispute resolution panels, which have ruled in Canada’s favour on contentious issues such as softwood lumber.

MacNaughton said some form of external dispute resolution is critical.

“Whether or not that dispute resolution mechanism can be improved or modernized, I think we’re up for discussions around that, but there needs to be some kind of a dispute resolution mechanism as part of the agreement.”

MacNaughton said recent discussions with U.S. business leaders, state governors and the Trump administration suggest everyone is seeking a fair and balanced deal. But if the U.S. wants Canada to loosen up on subsidies and protectionist rules, the ambassador says bring it on.

“The U.S. dairy industry is heavily subsidized and heavily protected, as is their sugar industry and a number of other areas, so if they want to start talking about opening up agricultural markets we’re happy to talk about them opening up theirs.”

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said given that the U.S. list of NAFTA concerns is 16 pages long, Canadians should not expect a resolution anytime soon.

“It would be extremely unlikely that such a wide, broad list of subjects could be settled in a matter of months,” Couillard said

“It will take years. It’s a long, long negotiation.”

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said she has spoken to 22 state governors as well as with federal lawmakers. The prevailing feeling on both sides of the border, she said, is that no harm be done to the trade agreement.

“What I have found in the United States is that there’s a very deep understanding among leaders there that the connectivity between our economies is important for both of us,” said Wynne.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister said premiers need to continue to reach out to U.S. governors and lawmakers to make the case for cross-border trade.

“There’s tremendous strength in working together and building things together,” said Pallister.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said while the federal government will carry the ball on talks, he wants to make sure there’s a way for provincial concerns and suggestions to be heard.

“There’s no indication on my end that (the pathway) won’t be there,” said McNeil. “We just need to continue to make sure and be clear about that.”

McNeil said timing is critical.

“What I want to make sure … is that these negotiations don’t linger on,” said McNeil, whose province is a heavy exporter of seafood and rubber to the U.S.

“The investment world needs certainty. Both of our countries need this.”

On Monday, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall suggested Canada should compile a discreet list of retaliatory measures should the NAFTA talks “get off the rail.”

Asked about that strategy, Notley said now is the time to focus on what unites rather than divides the two sides.

“We’re not at the point of engaging in retaliatory strategizing,” said Notley.

She compared NAFTA’s interdependent trade links to the intricate weave of a sweater. Pull one thread, she said, and more threads come loose.

“There’s nary a string that can be pulled on any one of them without pulling out the whole sweater,” she said.

Dean Bennett, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

No rush: Canada’s U.S. ambassador wants quick NAFTA deal but won’t take bad one

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