Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada
OTTAWA – A voluntary initiative was launched on Friday, January 10, among Canadian organizations that have chosen to collaborate as the country faces issues around Canada United States (U.S.) trade.
The Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) includes participants from a variety of sectors (steel, aluminum, forest products, oil and gas, agri-food, dairy, chemistry, banking, as well as broader industry groups such as the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters) and leading labour organizations. Membership is growing rapidly as the Inauguration of the new U.S. administration draws nearer.
The Steering Committee of the CUSTC will be led initially by the CEOs of the Aluminum Association of Canada and the Canadian Steel Producers Association. The group will convene regular meetings to share information and ideas for how best to approach the tariff discussions and the subsequent CUSMA review phase. The group is not a lobbying or an advocacy organization but will focus instead on sharing information and ensuring an ongoing conversation, including with key government officials who have responsibilities on these files.
“By bringing together, from across Canada, industry, unions and experts, the Council provides a dynamic and timely platform to freely address issues strategies and opportunities with Government officials. This crisis is worth all our efforts, and we must seize the moment to grow Canada stronger within a safer, more secure and competitive business environment for our future. Co-chairing this initiative with my colleague from the steel industry is a privilege,” said Jean Simard, President and CEO, Aluminium Association of Canada.
“At this moment in time, it is crucial that the Canadian business and labour communities come together to reimagine our future with our most important trading partner the United States. I am very honoured to co-Chair this Council that convenes some of the strongest voices in the country to support Canada’s interests and opportunities through the journey ahead,” added Catherine Cobden, President & CEO, Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA).
“As an international union, we know that workers on both sides of the border understand the economic importance of a strong Canada-US trade partnership for their families and communities. All workers are counting on all of us to protect good jobs and provide job security through a strong trade partnership, while standing up for our key industries,” said Marty Warren, National Director, United Steelworkers.
The CUSTC will draw on a group of expert advisors who have agreed to serve as counsellors, including Steve Verheul, James Moore, Jean Charest, Laura Dawson, RJ Johnston, and Adam Taylor. Together these individuals have extensive experience in Canada-US trade relations.
Canadian and provincial government officials will be invited to participate on a recurring basis to share knowledge, update on current developments, and gather input from participants.
Ambassador Kirsten Hillman participated in the kickoff meeting of the CUSTC and said, “With $1.3 trillion in goods and services crossing our shared border every year, Canada is America’s biggest customer. Trade with Canada plays an important role in U.S. economic security and supports millions of American jobs. Business and labour leadership are essential as we work to find ways to strengthen our strategic partnership with the US and I look forward to working alongside the Canada-U.S. Trade Council at this important time.”
Organizations interested in participating in this council are encouraged to contact Bruce Anderson, Partner at Spark Advocacy, or Adam Taylor, Partner at NorthStar Public Affairs which are jointly providing secretariat services to the CUSTC.
Source: globenewswire.com
