ALBERTA GROUP PUSHES FEDS FOR STRATEGIC CUSMA REFORMS

CALGARY, AB, Nov. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - With the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) on the horizon, a first-of-its-kind consortium of Alberta organizations is pushing for strategic reforms to secure North America's competitive edge.

The Business Council of Alberta, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Calgary Economic Development, Canadian Global Affairs Institute and Canada West Foundation have jointly submitted recommendations to the federal government which emphasize the harmonization of trade regulations across the continent. Responding to the Government of Canada's call for public feedback, the organizations outlined four key priorities that leverage Alberta's strengths to drive a globally competitive North America:

1. Energy security and green investment: Foster collaboration between Canada, the United States and Mexico on renewable energy investments, such as carbon capture, hydrogen and nuclear energy, to strengthen energy security.
2. Agricultural trade opportunities: Expand market access for Western Canadian agriculture products like beef, wheat and canola by removing non-tariff barriers and exploring new trading opportunities beyond supply management restrictions.
3. Integrated critical minerals supply chain: Develop North American supply chains for critical minerals to reduce reliance on China, supporting technological advancements and strengthening regional economic resilience.
4. Rules of origin: Strengthen regional content requirements for electric vehicles (EVs) across the entire value chain — from critical minerals to battery manufacturing — to strengthen local competitiveness and limit the market impact of Chinese EV manufacturers.

President-elect Trump campaigned on potential tariffs which, if implemented, threaten the prevalence of free trade across North America. This looming threat underscores the importance of preparing for CUSMA negotiations.

Recognizing a complex North American trade landscape, the consortium urges the Canadian government to navigate irritants including softwood lumber disputes, digital taxes, the risk of re-imposing mandatory country of origin labelling for beef, and potential tariffs that could impact exports. The group points to the U.S. as Canada's number one trading partner, which marks the importance of a dependable approach to labour disputes which affect supply chains.

The group is eager to work with the federal government to prioritize Alberta's and Western Canada's trade interests, fostering a more competitive and resilient North American economy.

Read the full submission here.

QUOTES

"CUSMA is about more than strengthening our economic ties, improving regulatory frameworks, and trade infrastructure; it is a symbol of the unparalleled relationship Canada and the United States have shared within a united North America. Canada and the United States share the largest trading relationship on earth, and the top international job for the Canadian government is to shore up that relationship and safeguard the imperative of free trade. By emphasizing and strengthening our historic partnerships, we can better meet our resource needs, harmonize our regulatory systems, and foster unparalleled economic growth across North America."

— Adam Legge, President, Business Council of Alberta.

"Canada is a trading nation and relies on strong relationships for its economic prosperity. CUSMA represents a tri-lateral agreement that comprises a market of 500 million people, representing $5.3 billion worth of goods that cross the borders each day and accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the global economy. The upcoming review is not only an opportunity to strengthen this important relationship with the United States and Mexico but also to significantly enhance trade infrastructure and supply chains to augment reliability and productivity for all countries. Part of this must include addressing the frequency of Canada's domestic labour disruptions in order to ensure we protect our reputation as a dependable and effective trading partner."

— Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

"Canada's economy depends on open trade practices across North America. The upcoming CUSMA review is a chance to secure a competitive and stronger economic environment for Western Canada. We are committed to advocating for policies that benefit our businesses and drive long-term prosperity in Calgary and Alberta."

— Brad Parry, President & CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund

"With the coming of a second Trump administration and a new US tariff regime, Western Canada will have to up its already strong game in the US. That starts with stakeholders outside of the government joining forces as a team to amplify individual impact."

— Gary Mar, President & CEO, Canada West Foundation

"As Canada works to secure mutually beneficial North American trade we should do so within a holistic approach to relations with our North American partners. Economic prosperity and security go hand in hand and we need to work proactively with new governments in Mexico and the United States to ensure we are strengthening all aspects of our partnership as we consider the future of CUSMA."

— David Perry, President & CEO, Canadian Global Affairs Institute

ABOUT THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF ALBERTA

The Business Council of Alberta is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building a better Alberta within a more dynamic Canada. Composed of the chief executives and leading entrepreneurs of the province's largest enterprises, Council members are proud to represent the majority of Alberta's private sector investment, job creation, exports, and research and development. The Council is committed to working with leaders and stakeholders across Alberta in proposing bold and innovative public policy solutions and initiatives that will make life better for Albertans. To learn more, visit www.businesscouncilab.com.

Scott Crockatt, Vice President of Communications and External Relations
Email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE CALGARY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses reach their potential. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

Brittany Brander, Manager, Public Relations & Communications
Email: [email protected] | Phone: [phone]

ABOUT CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Calgary Economic Development is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary's growth. Our job is to connect people with resources that can help them grow their careers or businesses, thrive in new locations or markets and feel at home in our community. We steward the economic strategy, Uplook: An Action Plan for Our Economy with the mandate to position Calgary for long-term economic success by supporting the expansion, retention and acquisition of companies, capital and talent. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit our website at www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com and follow us on LinkedIn. For more information or interviews, contact:

Grace Fullerton, Communications Manager
Phone: [phone] | Email: [email protected]

ABOUT THE CANADA WEST FOUNDATION

The Canada West Foundation is the only public policy think tank that focuses on issues that matter to the West. We provide evidence-based, pragmatic solutions to policy challenges in three areas: resources, environment and economy; skills, innovation and productivity; and trade and trade infrastructure. For more information, visit our website at www.cwf.ca  For more information or interviews contact:

Ruth Klinkhammer, Communications Director
Phone: [phone] | Email: [email protected] 

ABOUT THE CANADIAN GLOBAL AFFAIRS INSTITUTE

The Canadian Global Affairs Institute is an independent, non-partisan not for profit research institute. Since its creation in 2001, Calgary- and Ottawa-based CGAI's mission has been the production of high quality public policy research focused on Canadian international relations. The institute's research and outreach is designed to foster an appreciation for the importance of defence, diplomacy, development, resource management and global trade. To learn more about the institute and our activities please visit our website: https://www.cgai.ca/ 

Adam Frost, Managing Editor & Operations Manager
Email: [email protected] | Phone: [phone]

SOURCE Calgary Economic Development Ltd.