LeBlanc to meet with Trump's trade czar to discuss CUSMA review

Dominic LeBlanc said he will meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in the coming weeks to discuss the mandatory review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He also said Canada and Mexico agree a trilateral deal is the best way forward.

Dominic LeBlanc said he will meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in the coming weeks to discuss the looming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. He spoke with Greer by phone after Greer had said Canadians faced barriers that made bilateral trade talks difficult. The Trump administration has introduced uncertainty about the trilateral pact ahead of a mandatory review taking place this year. LeBlanc is leading a trade mission to Mexico and said Ottawa and Mexico agree a three-country deal is the best way forward. Known details: - LeBlanc will sit down with Jamieson Greer in the coming weeks to discuss the CUSMA review. - LeBlanc spoke with Greer by phone after Greer said Canadians had barriers to bilateral talks. - The Trump administration has publicly questioned aspects of CUSMA and the pact faces a mandatory review this year. - U.S. comments have included suggestions about negotiating separate bilateral pacts and remarks about potentially leaving the agreement. - LeBlanc, who is leading a trade mission to Mexico, said Canada and Mexico share common ground in support of a trilateral agreement. Summary: Officials say the planned meeting is intended to address issues ahead of the mandatory CUSMA review taking place this year. Beyond the coming meeting, next procedural steps are undetermined at this time.