NAFTA negotiations are set to continue September 5 after U.S. and Canadian negotiators blew past U.S. President Donald Trump’s self-imposed deadline for a new agreement on August 31.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland wouldn’t specify a new deadline, saying that once Canada secures a good deal, discussions will wrap up.
“Negotiations with Canada are not complete and we continue to negotiate with the United States, and that’s why we’re coming back on Wednesday. We’re continuing to work very hard and we are making progress, but we are not there yet,” Freeland said. “I’m paid in Canadian dollars and my job is to ensure that this agreement works for Canadians.”
NAFTA's auto chapter has been a particular sticking point for negotiations. Freeland is more optimistic about an eventual deal now that the rules-of-origin roadblock has been cleared. The minister thanked Mexico for making progress in talks specifically around rules of origin for automobiles.
Freeland was hesitant to discuss specifics about the negotiations. When asked if Canada would agree to a deal that ended supply management or stricter intellectual property rules surrounding pharmaceuticals, Freeland reiterated her agreement with U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer to not negotiate in public.
Talks became particularly rocky early on August 31 after off-the-record comments by Trump were leaked and he was reported as saying there would be no compromise with Canada. When questioned about how a country can negotiate with someone seemingly unwilling to make concessions, Freeland said her negotiating partner was U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer, seemingly shrugging off concerns about Trump’s early comments.
