The House of Commons International Trade Committee met to study the 2026 joint review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Witnesses included representatives from the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Nordic Paper Quebec Inc., the North American Equipment Dealers Association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Global Automakers of Canada, and Restwell Sleep Products.
Joseph Maloney of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers described his union's temporary foreign worker program, which brings in qualified boilermakers from the U.S. and Ireland for short-term, high-density shutdown work. He asked that CUSMA chapter 16 be amended to include a construction-specific designation allowing unions and employers to access qualified workers without a non-refundable $1,000 LMIA fee, and that the U.S. H-2B visa program be updated to be construction-industry specific.
Dany Larochelle of Nordic Paper Quebec Inc. said his company, which produces food-grade paper, exports 85% of its output to the U.S. and relies on CUSMA for tariff-free access. He warned that Chinese producers have captured 20% of the European food-grade paper market in one year and are now turning to Canada, threatening fair competition. He asked that Canada be watchful of Chinese dumping and consider free trade agreements with South American countries like Argentina and Brazil.
Nancy Malone of the North American Equipment Dealers Association said CUSMA has been an outstanding success for agricultural equipment dealers, who rely on tariff-free movement of equipment and parts from the U.S. She noted that Canadian dealers cannot source large mainline equipment domestically and that countertariffs on farm machinery would compound costs for farmers and consumers. She asked that Canada preserve the CUSMA language allowing farm equipment to cross the border freely.
Matthew Holmes and Catherine Fortin LeFaivre of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce said the priority is extending and enhancing North American competitiveness, with three key recommendations: prioritize continuity of the agreement, implement targeted measures to strengthen it, and reduce or eliminate recently imposed tariffs like section 232. They noted that CUSMA utilization is at a 20-year high and that Canada should not wait for the review to resolve 232 tariffs, which are hurting sectors like steel, aluminum and auto parts.
Lucas Malinowski of the Global Automakers of Canada said the auto industry faces significant challenges from U.S. automotive tariffs, which have resulted in nearly $110 billion in increased costs for automakers across North America. He called for the immediate removal of automotive tariffs on both sides of the border and asked for clarity on the government's proposed changes to the automotive remissions framework. He also raised concerns about the government's decision to accept Chinese-built electrified vehicles under a quota, saying it creates uncertainty for the market and that automakers need a level playing field.
Troy Zanatta and Tom Witowich of Restwell Sleep Products said that close to 50% of mattresses sold in Canada are now imported, with products coming from China, Vietnam and Turkey, often at prices below production cost. They noted that the mattress industry has been part of a previous anti-dumping case and believes dumping is still occurring, harming domestic manufacturers.
The committee began by electing Gabriel Ste-Marie as second vice-chair.
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