Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has formed a 24-member advisory committee to prepare the country for what is expected to be tense trade negotiations with the United States, according to The Guardian. The committee includes individuals from across the political spectrum and various industries, reflecting Carney’s desire to ensure Canada is well-positioned to advance its interests during the talks.

Political and Industry Representation

Among those appointed to the advisory committee are former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole and former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, though Carney also included former provincial premiers PJ Akeeagok and Jean Charest, as well as former Canadian high commissioner to the United Kingdom Ralph Goodale. Only four members from the previous advisory council, assembled by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were retained.

Carney also added executives from the banking, railway, energy, and agricultural industries to the council — Leaders from the auto sector, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and one of the country’s largest unions were also included in the group.

Trade Tensions and US Policy Shifts

The advisory committee will meet for the first time on 27 April, as Canada braces for what it sees as a significant shift in the United States’ approach to free trade. In a 10-minute video released on Sunday, Carney spoke directly to Canadians about the changes he believes the US has undergone.

Carney stated that the US, once a longtime political and economic ally, had “fundamentally” changed its approach on free trade. He said the US had raised its controversial tariffs to levels “last seen during the Great Depression.”

In a move that seemingly targeted Canada, former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered steep levies on Canada’s steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, and automotive industries. In response, provincial leaders have pulled American liquor and wines from shelves, and Canadians have maintained an informal but effective boycott of travel to the US.

“Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses,” said Carney in his video. “Weaknesses that we must correct.”

Review of Trade Agreement and Economic Concerns

A review of the current version of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, the US, and Mexico is scheduled for July. Carney, who recently secured a majority government through floor crossings and special elections, has warned that the upcoming talks could inflict damage on the Canadian economy.

He said he would provide regular updates on his government’s efforts to diversify away from the US. “Security can’t be achieved by ignoring the obvious or downplaying the very real threats that we Canadians face,” he said. “I promise you I will never sugarcoat our challenges.”

Last Friday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick called the current North American trade agreement, negotiated during Trump’s first term, a “bad deal” for Americans that may be allowed to “lapse” this summer. He criticized Canada’s decision to slow-walk negotiations as “the worst strategy I’ve ever heard.”

The advisory committee’s diverse composition, which includes both political figures and industry leaders, reflects Carney’s effort to ensure a broad and well-informed approach to the upcoming trade talks. The group’s first meeting is set for 27 April, marking a key step in Canada’s preparation for what promises to be a challenging negotiation period with its southern neighbor.