Foreign Affairs Committee on April 23rd, 2026

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

In fact, my question is the following: Does the ambassador understand that there are many doubts in Quebec about the fact that he's now the voice of Quebec? I just want to know whether he's aware of that. That's a genuine question. That isn't a comment. He can answer.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ahmed Hussen]

You're asking about immigration and other things. The ambassador has clarified what his role is.

[Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, Bloc, Lac-Saint-Jean, QC]

No, I'm talking about his mandate. When he was appointed, there was an outcry in Quebec, and many doubts were raised. I think the ambassador needs to be aware of that. I'd like to know whether he's aware of that. That's my question.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ahmed Hussen]

Mr. Wiseman, in the short time left, I'll leave it to you to make any response or comment regarding Monsieur Brunelle-Duceppe's comments and questions.

[Mark Wiseman]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

First of all, I read the newspapers in both languages. I am the ambassador in the United States for all Canadians, including Quebeckers. That is my job. That is my mandate. I shall faithfully carry that out for all Canadians, and this includes Quebeckers.

I should also say that I have the great benefit of working with provincial leadership as part of my role, including the three provinces that are represented physically in the embassy. Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario each has a physical presence, and there is a very strong and collaborative office from the Province of Quebec also in Washington, D.C. We are in regular communication so I can have the information I need to represent all Canadians, including Quebeckers, in Washington. I will continue to do that faithfully.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ahmed Hussen]

Thank you.

Next, we'll go to MP Ziad Aboultaif.

You have five minutes.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Thank you, Chair.

Welcome, Ambassador, to committee.

The Business Council of Canada's survey of CEOs found that “Trade uncertainty, rising protectionism, and geopolitical flashpoints are making it harder for companies to plan, invest, and grow,” and that 38% now cite uncertainty surrounding NAFTA/USMCA as “the leading factor affecting investment planning”.

Also, Statistics Canada showed that business investment pulled back as businesses navigated uncertainty and trade tensions over the past year. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said, “Trade-exposed firms are shifting into 'wait-and-see' mode. Most firms, especially smaller ones, have not taken meaningful action beyond price adjustments...investment decisions may still be delayed until policy clarity improves.”

Uncertainty, Mr. Ambassador, is hurting the Canadian economy. Maybe you can offer some clarification.

[Mark Wiseman]

As an investor, I know that uncertainty is terrible. It increases the cost of capital, and as stated in the question, it leads to people not making important decisions, particularly around capital allocation.

I want to be clear from the point of view of the embassy in Washington. This unpredictability and uncertainty are caused by the actions of the United States of America. The section 232 tariffs, for example, on autos, steel, aluminum, lumber and pharmaceuticals, and the changing nature of those tariffs are creating unpredictability. I agree that they are bad for business and investment on both sides of the border.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

Ambassador, the Prime Minister's apparent desire to delay the CUSMA negotiations is basically against what you said. Can you clarify that?

[Mark Wiseman]

As I've stated, the Canadian government is ready, willing and able to negotiate in a detailed way with our partners in the United States and Mexico, as part of the review process of CUSMA, which is a 16-year agreement. We're at year six of a 16-year agreement.

We are willing to commence that review process. We are having discussions around the section 232 tariffs. We wish to reduce the uncertainty the best we can, but we will not reduce it at any cost. That is, in my view and in the view of the government, not in the best interests of Canadians and Canadian businesses.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

The cost is to every Canadian business and every Canadian consumer. It seems now that the delay is a Canadian tactic around this negotiation. That is what we see in front of us. Those are the words the Prime Minister has said to a former Quebec premier. There is a basis to what I'm saying or what's out there, and that has to be clarified to Canadians. I'm expecting that you'll be able to clarify that one more time.

[Mark Wiseman]

Canada is ready, willing and able to commence the review of CUSMA. We are involved in regular discussions, specifically around the section 232 tariffs and beyond, to try to reduce the uncertainty created by the actions of the United States of America.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

How long do Canadian businesses and consumers have to bear the heavy weight and the cost before you say, “Enough with the negotiation tactics. We have to call the shots. We have to do something. We have to be clear and up front with Canadians and tell them what is going on”?

[Mark Wiseman]

I can't speculate on the views of Canadian business. I can only reiterate that we are ready, willing and able to commence the review process. We are in active dialogue to reduce the section 232 tariffs imposed on Canadian industry by the United States of America.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

How long are you going to continue negotiating? Give me a time.

[Mark Wiseman]

I can't answer that question.

[Ziad Aboultaif, Conservative, Edmonton Manning, AB]

You're at the negotiating table. You are our representative in the U.S. You represent Canada, and we expect better answers from you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Ahmed Hussen]

Thank you very much.

Next, we go to MP Rob Oliphant.

You have five minutes.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Wiseman, thank you for sharing your time with us.

This is not a confirmation hearing. This is a chance for us to further our relationship with the United States through your office.

I want to thank you for offering yourself for public service again. I know I don't look like it, but shortly, I will be able to get my Canada pension. It's shocking to the viewers at home, I know. Thank you for your work on such things as making sure that our Canadian pension plan is fully funded and that it was successful in your time there. I really wish you well as you continue to stand up and work for Canadians and for the Government of Canada.

I want to talk about your role as a representative of Canada. I'm an MP, so I represent the people of my riding, but I'm also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I often represent Canada abroad. I don't always agree with my government. There have been positions in the past that I haven't always agreed with. When I'm representing Canada, I agree with my government.

From the previous line of questioning, I'll give you a chance to affirm that it is a position you enjoy. From your experience, what will help you represent Canada and Canadians well in Washington? What is most interesting for you in this very challenging time?

[Mark Wiseman]

Thank you.

This is an incredibly important job. I am honoured that the Prime Minister and the Government of Canada asked me to take it on. It is at times a heavy task because of its importance, but it is a task that I'm proud and honoured to have. I've told several people that this is the best job I've ever had, and I'm sure it will be the best job I'd ever had when I'm done.

Representing one's country, as members of Parliament also do, is just about the highest calling, in my view, that one can have, and I take the job very seriously at every turn.

While I am not a diplomat and I've not served in government, I do bring skills to the table, I think, and I think the Prime Minister believed this when he asked me to take on the role. Whether they be business, negotiation or my legal background, to me, given the times that we are in in the United States and in our relationship with the United States, those skills come to the fore in building relationships, finding win-win solutions and building bridges. I will say that I feel, in my short time in the role, very supported by the government but also by all sides of the political aisle here in Canada, from the business community and from the premiers.

While I have a hard task, I have to say that, in the early days, in spite of some of the tough questions here, which I think are good to ask, I do feel that I'm supported by just about everyone in making Canada a success.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

You mentioned that some provinces have offices in our mission in Washington, and Quebec has one nearby. Do you plan to engage with the provinces and territories and with the premiers and governments of those jurisdictions because of the interconnected nature of the economies that we need to have ready to go? Is that part of your mandate in these next six months?

[Mark Wiseman]

First of all, I have regular communication with all the provinces as required to carry out my duties, not just on trade but more broadly. That can happen in the hallway with those provinces that are resident in Washington, D.C., but, if not, others are a phone call away. I've met with most of the provincial premiers in my first two months and, of course, I am there to support the Prime Minister and Minister LeBlanc, our chief negotiator, in their more formal interaction with provincial and territorial leaders.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

I urge you to keep the territories in mind as well. Having lived in Yukon, I know it's an important thing.

You have many bosses. You have the Prime Minister. You have several ministers: Minister LeBlanc, Minister Anand and Minister Sidhu.

What kind of guidance have you been given from the Prime Minister in this initial phase of your work?

[Mark Wiseman]

I'll repeat what I said. I feel very supported, including by the various ministers who have an interest in our relationship with the United States and in my role. There is regular communication, as you would imagine, with many of those ministers and with the office of the Prime Minister, and that is so that I can do my job as effectively as possible as Canada's representative in the United States. It's also so that I can give them information that I am picking up and that the team of almost 600 people is picking up, so that information can be fed in on an almost immediate basis to allow the Government of Canada and its leadership to make the best decisions they can.

[Rob Oliphant, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

One piece of advice would be to keep that ADM beside you. He gives good advice regularly, so you're well supported.