Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Moreau, the mandatory review of CUSMA in 2026 could be a pivotal moment for the future of North American economic integration. At a time of rising global uncertainty and increasing protectionist pressures, it is essential that we actively engage the U.S. Congress and our North American partners to reinforce the shared prosperity created through this agreement and the positive potential that comes with the renewal of CUSMA.

CUSMA has strengthened supply chains, including through nearshoring, the relocation of production and supply chains to nearby partner countries such as Mexico and Canada and select overseas markets. We must drive home this message with the U.S. Congress that trade within North America supports millions of high-quality jobs, drives domestic growth and reinforces the largest and most stable free trade region in the world.

How is Canada engaging the U.S. Congress ahead of the 2026 review to ensure they fully recognize the mutual economic, strategic and security benefits of CUSMA?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, Senator Klyne, for the question. You already know that we have new leadership at the Canadian embassy in Washington, and the government is preparing for a CUSMA review. As you mentioned, more review is very important. It’s not a renegotiation. When Minister LeBlanc was here in this very chamber, he explained the difference and the importance that CUSMA has for the Canadian economy, not only for the Canadian economy but for the Canadian and U.S. economies since we have such an integrated economic system with Mexico as well.

Negotiations are ongoing. It would be inappropriate to comment on specifics. What I can say is that the economic review represents an important moment for North American economic co-operation, and this includes Mexico and Canada. Of course, we are engaging to make sure that this review will be successful and that we have good results for Canada, Mexico and the United States at the same time.

Senator Klyne: There are some advanced tactics there, but beyond general engagement, does the Government of Canada have a targeted strategy to communicate directly to U.S. legislators how deeply their own states depend on trade with Canada —including state-by-state data on jobs, investment, and supply chains — so that members of Congress clearly understand that strengthening CUSMA is not only in Canada’s interest but in the direct economic interests of their own constituents?

Senator Moreau: That’s not only a good question; that’s a good statement. I have to tell you that Canada has long emphasized the importance of engaging American lawmakers at every level. I know one thing: When I was a member of the Quebec National Assembly, not only the federal government but also all provinces were engaging with their counterparts at the state and federal levels to make sure that they understood perfectly that, with such integrated economies, both countries would benefit from a review —

The Hon. the Speaker pro tempore: Thank you, Senator Moreau.