Canadian leaders on the evolving trade relationship with the U.S.: “It’s a wake-up call”

Canada is a major trade partner with the United States. Politicians there say the ongoing trade talks leave them with more questions than answers, but they admit it is a good opportunity for some self-reflection as a country.

“It is a general wake-up call about the country,” said Jean Charest, co-chair of the Council of Canada–U.S. relations. “Twenty years from now, we may thank Donald Trump for doing this and allowing us to have a very hard look at ourselves and how we have managed our economy, because it used to be that we could take the Americans for granted. We can’t anymore. And rather than talk about what we’ll do, do it.”

Ag groups warn that the fertilizer markets would see the first impact of a trade war. As a result, Canadian leaders have created a special council.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tight feeder supplies and lower placements indicate continued support for the cattle market, with regional impacts heightened in Texas by reduced feeder imports.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens shares his outlook on farmland market trends, which remain under close watch as new federal assistance programs roll out — with experts analyzing potential impacts on land values, buying, and stability.
Michelle Perez shares more about the American Farmland Trust’s resource to help farmers and producers plan soil health improvements.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer outlines the key difference between previous ECAP payments and the Farm Bridge Assistance Program.
Jeff Johnston with CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange explains the growing role of Rural America in supporting the nation’s digital infrastructure.