The committee was studying Canada-U.S. relations, with a focus on trade, tariffs, and the upcoming CUSMA review. The sole witness was Mark Wiseman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States.
Ambassador Wiseman described his mandate as managing the bilateral relationship, safeguarding Canada's economic and security interests, and supporting Canadians in the U.S. He emphasized the depth of economic ties, with $3.5 billion in goods and services crossing the border daily, and noted that Canada's achievement of NATO's 2% defence spending target was welcomed in Washington. He stated that Canada is ready, willing, and able to commence the formal CUSMA review process, and that ongoing discussions are being held on section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber, which he said create unpredictability and harm investment. He highlighted Canada's $1.3-billion border plan and the passage of Bill C-12 as steps to strengthen border security, and noted that irregular border crossings from Canada to the U.S. have declined significantly. He also stressed the importance of building relationships across the U.S., including with Congress, governors, and business and labour leaders, and said he is working closely with provincial representatives, including Quebec's office in Washington.
On supply management, Ambassador Wiseman said his personal views are irrelevant and that his role is to faithfully implement the Government of Canada's policy, including Bill C-202, which states supply management is not on the table. He acknowledged his past involvement with the Century Initiative but said he has resigned from all outside positions and that his mandate does not cover Canadian immigration policy. He also acknowledged the error of sending an English-only invitation to committee members, called it unacceptable, and said mistakes will be corrected. Regarding the lack of a formal date for CUSMA review talks, he reiterated that Canada is prepared to begin and that it takes two sides to schedule a meeting, declining to discuss the government's strategy or confirm media reports of a deliberate go-slow approach. He said he would not provide economic analysis documents without first determining which are privileged, and he committed to meeting with the Bloc Québécois leader to discuss Quebec's distinctiveness.
The committee also debated a motion from Steven Guilbeault affirming commitment to official bilingualism and inviting the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to brief on Global Affairs Canada's Official Languages policy, following the English-only invitation sent by the embassy. No vote was recorded on the motion during the meeting.
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