Mr. Speaker, allow me to join my colleagues in extending my condolences to the family of the Hon. Kirsty Duncan. She was a brilliant and passionate member of the chamber, and she will very much be missed.
I am thankful for the opportunity to address the House on a matter of critical importance to Canada's economy.
Canada's prosperity has always been tied to strong, reliable trade relationships, and none, I would add, is more important than the one we share with the United States. In 2024 the United States remained Canada's top merchandise trading partner, receiving $595.9 billion of Canada's merchandise exports. Over 75% of Canadian exports were destined for the United States in 2024. Every day, over 3.4 billion dollars' worth of goods and services cross our shared border, supporting jobs and driving innovation on both sides of the border.
For decades this fundamental trade relationship has been anchored in rules, predictability and mutual benefit. Together we have fostered a North American economy that is competitive, resilient and innovative. However, as we know, the United States is fundamentally reshaping all its trade relationships, causing major disruption and upheaval for its trading partners, including Canada. The U.S. administration's imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel, aluminum and other critical exports is not just economically harmful; the tariffs also disrupt supply chains, inflate costs and erode the trust that has sustained our partnership for generations.
Our industries, including the steel, aluminum, forestry and automotive sectors, are the backbone of our Canadian communities. The steel sector alone contributes over $4 billion to our GDP and sustains more than 23,000 jobs, with tens of thousands more in related sectors. These industries are critical for building homes, infrastructure and the clean energy future Canadians expect.
That is why, on November 26, Canada's new government moved quickly to protect and strengthen the sectors most affected by the U.S. tariffs, introducing new measures to help workers gain new skills, support businesses as they modernize and diversify, and boost domestic demand for Canadian goods. However, we recognize that our priority and the government's focus must be to find a long-term solution to the harmful tariffs with the U.S. administration.
Where do these negotiations stand? Before President Trump abruptly paused discussions last month, our teams were making progress, exploring pathways toward a sectoral deal that could restore stability in our bilateral trade. Canada remains ready and open to re-engage. We are also preparing for the CUSMA review scheduled to begin this year.
Our message to the United States is clear: Canada will always defend its interests, but we will do so as a constructive partner committed to stability, prosperity and growth.