Canada appoints new chief trade negotiator to US

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday appointed veteran public servant Janice Charette as the country's next chief trade negotiator to the United States, ahead of a key review of the North American trade pact.

"The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States," said a statement by the Prime Minister's Office, highlighting her "four decades of experience across public policy and diplomacy."

In the statement, Carney said: "With four decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy, Janice Charette brings extraordinary leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Canada’s interests."

"As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States," he added.

Working closely with Canada's ambassador to the US, Mark Wiseman, she will focus on the CUSMA (Canada-US-Mexico Agreement) review process, set to begin on July 1, 2026, six years after the agreement came into force.

CUSMA, which took effect on July 1, 2020, governs one of the world's largest trading relationships. More than $3.5 billion in goods and services cross the Canada-US border daily, with over 85% of merchandise trade remaining tariff-free under the agreement, according to the statement.

Carney also extended "his deep gratitude to Kirsten Hillman for her immense contributions as Canada’s chief trade negotiator, in addition to her responsibilities as Canada's ambassador to the United States."