Minister LeBlanc chairs first meeting of the new Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations
Press Release + Noah Note
April 27, 2026 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, chaired the inaugural meeting of the new Advisory Committee on Canada–U.S. Economic Relations.
The Committee brings together leaders from major sectors of the Canadian economy from across Canada to provide strategic advice and expert perspectives on aspects of the Canada–U.S. economic relationship.
During the meeting, Minister LeBlanc announced the appointment of one additional member to the Advisory Committee, Eliot Pence, Canadian entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Dominion Dynamics, a defence tech firm.
Members discussed the importance of maintaining a strong, stable, and mutually beneficial economic partnership between Canada and the United States, particularly in a context of global economic uncertainty and evolving trade dynamics. They emphasized the value of preserving Canada’s preferential access to the U.S. market, with the vast majority of bilateral trade remaining tariff-free.
Discussions also focused on priorities and opportunities as Canada approaches the upcoming joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Committee members highlighted the importance of building on the trilateral agreement’s success, supporting North American competitiveness, and ensuring that Canadian workers and businesses continue to benefit from integrated supply chains.
The meeting marked an important step in ensuring that Canada is well positioned to advance its interests by approaching its economic and security relationship with the United States with coordination and a broad range of perspectives.
Quotes
“Canada is at its strongest when we work together—across regions, perspectives, and industries—to build a more united and resilient future for Canadians. The new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations embodies this approach, bringing diverse expertise to ensure we engage with the United States in a unified way, including in preparation for the upcoming joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.”
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada–U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy
“As Canada works to strengthen its economic partnership with the United States, it is critical that Canada draws on a wide range of expertise and perspectives. The Advisory Committee will play an important role in informing Canada’s approach across the bilateral economic relationship, as well as preparations for CUSMA review and of larger trade discussions, to ensure continued benefits for Canadian workers and businesses.”
The Honourable Janice Charette, Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States
“Canada and the United States share one of the most integrated and dynamic economic relationships in the world. Ongoing engagement with Canadian industry leaders is essential to ensuring that we continue to advance our shared interests, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and promote economic growth on both sides of the border.”
Mark Wiseman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States
Quick facts
Together, Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. represent a market of 517 million consumers, with a combined GDP of $48.8 trillion.
Canada and the U.S. exchanged nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services every day in 2024.
Since the CUSMA entered into force, Canada-U.S. trade has increased by more than 27% – or $196 billion.
Over the past several months, Minister LeBlanc consulted representatives from key sectors of the Canadian economy, including softwood lumber, dairy, agri-food and seafood, steel and aluminum, the automotive industry, labour, pharmaceuticals, and the audiovisual sector, through a series of roundtables to gather input on priorities related to the upcoming CUSMA review.
As well through the public consultations process that took place in fall 2025, the Government of Canada received 5,143 submissions from a diverse mix of individuals, businesses, industry associations, provinces and territories, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from regions across Canada. This includes input from 184 businesses, 238 industry associations, councils, and labour unions, 4670 individuals, 10 provinces and territories, 8 public sector organizations, 26 Civil Society, NGOs, and public policy groups, and 7 Indigenous groups.
About the CUSMA Joint Review:
The CUSMA entered into force on July 1, 2020, for 16 years (until 2036).
The agreement included a commitment to review the Agreement on the 6th anniversary of its coming-into-force, which is July 1, 2026.
At this point, the countries can decide by consensus on any appropriate actions and whether to extend the CUSMA’s term for another 16 years.
Should there be no consensus to extend the CUSMA’s term in 2026, joint reviews would be held annually until the parties agree to an extension or until the agreement expires in 2036.
Noah Note: I wouldn't post this if not for the inclusion of Eliot, who absolutely deserves a spot. There are few people whom I could imagine would benefit this council, but having someone with integral knowledge of operating as a startup in the American context, and having a defence voice outside of the major prime, being apart of the team in a major step in the right direction.
As defence takes a larger prioirty on the Canadian stage, representation from industry onnthese sort of national forums will be critical to ensuring that Canada can benefit from a future 5% reality. That includes how we handle and operate our defence relationship with the United States.
So congrats to Eliot! Make me proud.
I'm glad they included someone for Canada's defense industry, and that it was not one of the American owned primes, like Lockheed or L3.