Power & Politics Trump threatens to replace free trade deal with Canada
Dec 3, 2025
This week, guests include Brad Wood, Senior Director at the National Foreign Trade Council, who advocates for the renewal of KUSMA to ensure stable U.S. business interests. Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, responds to Indigenous backlash towards her government's pipeline deal with Alberta. Hassan Youssef emphasizes Canada’s need to prepare for potential fallout from U.S. trade threats and stresses coordination on national responses. The discussion reveals the tension between trade agreements and Indigenous rights, highlighting critical stakes for both sides.
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Review Risk Turns Routine Into High Stakes
- USMCA (CUSMA) review is turning from a formality into a high-stakes negotiation under Trump.
- Uncertainty from possible renegotiation risks major disruption for integrated North American supply chains.
Defend The Deal, Upgrade Selectively
- Keep USMCA intact and extend it to preserve supply-chain stability and duty-free access for businesses.
- Use the review to pursue targeted upgrades while avoiding a full reopening of the agreement.
Rhetoric Aims To Win Concessions
- Trump's negotiating posture seeks concessions by framing partners as having 'taken advantage' of the U.S.
- Finding cooperative wins (e.g., critical minerals, energy) could help secure tariff removals and stability.