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U.S., Canada face NAFTA deadline

The senior director of government relations for American Farm Bureau says both the U.S. and Canada have some leverage with a NAFTA deadline looming.

Dave Salmonsen tells Brownfield there’s pressure to come to terms before the final text between the U.S. and Mexico can be sent to Congress no later than September 30th.

“I think both sides, and especially Canada, needs to be a part of NAFTA.  We’re their biggest economic partner, they need that relationship with the U.S. to make so much of their economy work.  Like everybody, they have domestic constituencies, they have economic interests they have to serve.”

Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland planned to return to Washington today to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, but decided to stay in Canada.

Salmonsen says she’s likely consulting with her own government.

“I’m sure there’s a real reason to be there in face-to-face meetings back at home versus more time here, which she could be here anytime.”

Canada’s dairy supply management program and Class 7 pricing scheme remain major sticking points in the negotiations.  Salmonsen says Prime Minister Trudeau has indicated Canada might be willing to make concessions resembling what was included in the final Trans Pacific Partnership agreement.