No timeline to resume formal trade talks with U.S., chief negotiator says
Canada's chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, stated there is currently no timeline for resuming formal trade talks with the United States. While informal communication continues, the relationship remains unstable following the collapse of negotiations in August.
Why it matters
Underscores the ongoing economic uncertainty and strained trade relations between Canada and the U.S. under the current administration.
A truck crosses from Windsor, Ont., into Detroit on the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Canada's current trade talks with the U.S. are informal and more about keeping the door open, lead negotiator Janice Charette said Thursday. JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP/Getty Images
Canada’s chief trade negotiator with the United States said she’s still communicating with her U.S. counterparts, but there’s no timeline for returning to formal trade talks.
Speaking to a Toronto audience on Thursday, Janice Charette said the lines of communication between Ottawa and Washington have remained open since trade talks collapsed in August. However, there’s no clear path back to the negotiating table, she said.
“We’re having conversations to see whether or not we can come back to the table for a set of detailed negotiations. We don’t know exactly when that’s going to happen,” Ms. Charette said at the Toronto Global Forum conference.
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