Abstract:Mark Wiseman takes on the challenge as Canada works to reset its strained relations with the US while preparing for a review of the current trade deal.
Beyond domestic politics, Wiseman will face the currently thorny relationship between the US and Canada while in Washington.
Trump halted trade talks with Canada in late October in anger over an anti-tariff advertisement commissioned by the province of Ontario and aired in the US.
Trump has imposed sector-specific tariffs on Canadian metals, lumber and automotives.
He has also imposed a sweeping tariff rate of 35% on all goods, though most have been exempt under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) - known at the USMCA in the US - trade pact.
A scheduled review of CUSMA is now underway, starting with public hearings and stakeholder consultations, after which Canada, the US and Mexico could agree to renew it, or let it expire.