Mark Wiseman says no date set for formal USMCA negotiations
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Apr 26
Mark Wiseman says no date set for formal USMCA negotiations
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 26
Canada's newly appointed US ambassador, Mark Wiseman, told parliamentarians that no formal negotiation date has been scheduled, amid ongoing US tariffs impacting Canadian metals, automotives, and lumber.
Prime Minister Mark Carney faces mounting pressure to secure a favorable USMCA outcome as thousands of Canadian jobs have already been lost due to tariffs, and opposition leaders criticize his lack of progress.
Carney's government, enjoying high poll numbers and a new majority, also contends with domestic challenges such as housing affordability, high youth unemployment, and rising fuel prices linked to global conflicts.
With the USMCA review looming, is Canada prepared for a trade showdown?
Is Mark Carney's global acclaim a distraction from stalled US trade talks?
Can Canada's 'middle power' dream survive its American economic reality?
Can new alliances with countries like Australia truly reduce Canada's US dependency?
Are government rebates and tax breaks enough to fix Canada's affordability crisis?
Will slashing immigration solve Canada's housing crisis or create a new one?
Canada’s USMCA Review Stalled: No Formal Talks Set Despite July 1, 2026 Deadline
Overview
As of April 2026, Canada is ready to begin the USMCA review but formal talks with the U.S. remain unscheduled due to unresolved U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, and softwood lumber, alongside other bilateral issues. The U.S. is pursuing separate negotiations, having already set a formal start date with Mexico, which increases pressure on Canada. Informal discussions continue, leveraging Canada's strong trade position and energy exports, while Canada firmly refuses unilateral concessions, especially on dairy. With the July 1 deadline unlikely to be met, the review is expected to extend into annual reviews, creating prolonged uncertainty for North American trade.