Canada forms advisory panel to steer economic ties with US ahead of CUSMA review

The committee, to be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, will bring together business, labour and industry leaders to provide strategic advice on managing and strengthening Canada’s economic relationship with the United States.

The move comes as the government says about 85% of Canada’s trade with the US remains tariff-free, positioning the country with one of the lowest average tariff rates globally among major trading partners.

Officials said the panel will serve as a forum for expertise across sectors including trade, investment and labour, helping shape Canada’s approach as it enters the upcoming CUSMA joint review.

The advisory body will hold its first meeting on April 27 and includes senior figures from finance, manufacturing, energy, labour and the cultural sector.

Carney said the initiative aims to ensure Canada approaches its economic engagement with the U.S. with “focus, discipline and unity" while drawing on a broad range of perspectives to advance national interests.

The formation of the committee also replaces the previous Council on Canada-US Relations, whose members the government thanked for their role during a period of evolving bilateral ties.

Canada’s trade relationship with the United States remains central to its economy, supporting millions of jobs and underpinning North American supply chains.