Canada takes first step towards ratifying new Nafta
- Move comes ahead of visit by US Vice-President Mike Pence, who will meet Trudeau on Thursday to discuss free trade agreement
- Trump lifted tariffs on steel and aluminium last week, removing major obstacle to USMCA deal in US, Canada and Mexico
Canada took the first step toward ratifying a new North American trade agreement on Monday just three days ahead of US Vice-President Mike Pence’s trip to Ottawa to discuss passage of the treaty.
Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland presented what is known as a “ways and means motion” to the House of Commons, which opens the way for the formal presentation of a bill.
The deal known as the USMCA, which would replace the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, has yet to be approved by legislatures of the three participating countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The US struck deals on May 17 to lift tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada and Mexico, removing a major obstacle to legislative approval.
Pence is expected to meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa on Thursday.
“The entry into force of this agreement does not depend solely on Canada,” Freeland told reporters after presenting the motion. “Insofar as possible, we intend to move in tandem with the United States.”