OTTAWA – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai met today with Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development Mary Ng to discuss ways to strengthen the U.S.-Canadian trade relationship.
Ambassador Tai and Minister Ng emphasized the close economic, trade, and investment relationship between the United States and Canada. They discussed ongoing cooperation under the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) and look forward to a productive meeting of the Free Trade Commission this summer. Ambassador Tai and Minister Ng reiterated their shared commitment to promoting an inclusive, worker-centered trade agenda, rooted in strong and enforceable labor and environmental standards. They also discussed ways that the United States and Canada can continue to work together to address Russia’s unjustified aggression against Ukraine.
Ambassador Tai stressed the importance of Canada fully meeting its USMCA commitments, including its allocation of dairy tariff-rate quotas and home-shopping. Additionally, Ambassador Tai expressed concern about Canada’s proposed digital service tax and Underused Housing Tax. The two agreed to continue to collaborate on addressing these and other issues, and to maintain an open line of communication.
During Ambassador Tai’s trip to Canada, she will join Minister Ng for events featuring important stakeholders to hear their perspectives on how to deepen this important bilateral trade engagement. They will also visit businesses in Toronto and discuss how the two countries can work together to boost North American economic competitiveness.
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