Evidence of meeting #13 for International Trade in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was negotiations.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Obviously, we'll follow this file closely.
I know discussions are difficult, and you just confirmed that. Many experts have talked about annual reviews, not just one, and this option was already in the agreement. What's your view on that? How do you prepare for this option? If things aren't progressing now, will the agreement be reviewed annually?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Our discussions with the U.S. are focused on more than just diversifying trade between our two countries. You're asking about a hypothetical situation.
It might not happen that way. I don't really have an answer for you. It's hard for me to imagine what's to come.
Bloc
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
I wasn't talking about trade diversification. I was talking about the possibility of having annual reviews of the agreement, not just one.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
I understand, but I thought this meeting was to talk about the government's efforts to diversify trade, not necessarily to talk about the U.S.
It doesn't change my answer, though. I don't know what will happen, and I don't want to speculate on situations that might never arise.
Bloc
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Still, I imagine you're ready for that possibility. Every scenario has to be looked at, so you must have considered the annual review option, which would lead to permanent pressure from the U.S.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Yes, but it might not happen. I don't know how we've come to anticipate such a position from the Americans. I don't think that's an option the three parties to the agreement have planned on discussing.
Bloc
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
Obviously, since there are no discussions.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Although there are no negotiations, we are preparing for this review. Mexico and the United States are also preparing for the review. These are not negotiations, because we are preparing on our own, within our own governments.
In my opinion, the United States is definitely thinking about their approach, but up until now, I haven't heard anything that would indicate they are moving towards an annual review.
Bloc
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
In that case, I will ask you a question that can be answered by “yes” or “no”, Mr. Fowler. We can continue our discussion during another turn.
Although negotiations are very piecemeal and haven't yet begun, do you know the Americans' requirements, conditions and positions regarding the review? You say that you are already preparing and that there are discussions on the topic.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Are you asking if the United States knows their requirements?
Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot—Acton, QC
I am asking if you yourself know them. Have they shared their requirements?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
No, they didn't do so directly.
A few weeks ago, they completed their consultations with American industry and American interests. I believe that will give us information on the positions the United States will bring to the table.
The process is ongoing.
Liberal
Conservative
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Hello, Madam Chair.
Hello, dear guests.
Mr. Fowler, you just said you are currently preparing for the renegotiation of CUSMA.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Actually, it is a review.
Conservative
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Yes, the Canadian team is getting ready.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Yes, I know him.
Conservative
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Have you worked with him? He's a trusted member of government, isn't he?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
Yes, he's a former official.
Conservative
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
On October 30, he was here and said that currently, the government is ill prepared to undertake the CUSMA review.
What do you make of that comment?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade Branch, and Chief Trade Negotiator, Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development
In my opinion, we are very well prepared. We have made a lot of progress in our preparations.
I know Mr. Verheul very well, and I have enormous respect for him. He has been working with us for many years, but he may not be completely up to date on our preparations.
Conservative
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
What do your preparations entail? Do you consult with companies in certain sectors to learn about the challenges they face?
