Prime Minister Carney announces new Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States

Prime Minister Carney announces new Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States
Canada’s next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States speaking at an event, 19 January, 2020
Reuters

The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced on 16 February that the Honourable Janice Charette has been appointed as the next Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed veteran public servant Janice Charette as Canada’s new Chief Trade Negotiator, tasking her with overseeing the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Charette brings four decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy. She has twice served as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet — the highest-ranking role in Canada’s civil service — and previously represented Canada abroad as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

In her new role, she will act as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister and to Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade. Working alongside Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Mark Wiseman, she will focus on strengthening trade and investment ties between the two countries ahead of the CUSMA review deadline of July 1.

CUSMA — known in the United States as the USMCA — governs continental trade between Canada, the United States and Mexico and has shielded much of Canada’s exports from U.S. tariffs. Around 70% of Canadian exports are destined for the U.S. market.

Carney praised Charette’s appointment, saying she brings “extraordinary leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Canada’s interests.” He added that she will work to secure outcomes that benefit workers and industries in both countries.

The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to Kirsten Hillman for her service as Canada’s Chief Trade Negotiator, in addition to her role as ambassador in Washington, noting her efforts in defending Canadian values and promoting economic cooperation.

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