Hub Podcasts Canada should embrace Washington’s call for a ‘grander bargain’
Sep 22, 2025
Ed Fast, Former Minister of International Trade and a Distinguished Fellow at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute, discusses Canada's trade strategy in response to a call from Washington for a 'grander bargain'. He emphasizes the potential benefits of a comprehensive deal with the U.S., highlighting key areas like critical minerals and continental defense. Fast argues that this approach could provide Canada with greater leverage and stability for the future. Additionally, Howard Anglin explores the notion of political consensus using the metaphor of phantom islands, suggesting a need for policy reassessment.
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Washington Signalled A Bigger Offer
- Pete Hoekstra invited Canada to negotiate a broader deal beyond narrow CUSMA renegotiation.
- Ed Fast argues this opening lets Canada seek balanced, cross-issue leverage with the U.S.
Interdependence Can Be Bargaining Power
- A comprehensive 'grander bargain' lets Canada turn economic interdependence into bargaining leverage.
- Fast highlights energy, critical minerals, agriculture and defense as cross-issue assets to trade for reciprocity.
Prepare A Whole-Of-Government Negotiating Team
- Canada should prepare a cross-departmental negotiating team and consult provinces and Indigenous governments.
- Cultivate allies in the U.S., Congress and industry before showing up to talks, Fast advises.