Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canada has appointed veteran diplomat Janice Charette as its new Chief Trade Negotiator to the United States, signaling a tougher and more strategic approach as critical negotiations on the North American free-trade framework draw near. The decision comes at a time when Ottawa is under growing pressure to defend Canadian interests on key issues such as market access, energy exports, dairy supply management, and industrial subsidies.
Charette, a former Clerk of the Privy Council and one of Canada’s most experienced public servants, will head Canada’s negotiating team following the departure of the previous ambassador to Washington. Government sources say her appointment reflects Ottawa’s intent to bring seasoned leadership to talks that could reshape economic relations with the United States for years to come.
The upcoming review is expected to be contentious, with U.S. officials pushing for tighter rules on manufacturing, agriculture, and cross-border trade compliance. Canadian exporters, particularly in the auto, steel, and agri-food sectors, are closely watching developments, fearing new barriers that could disrupt supply chains and raise costs.
Officials in Ottawa say the government is preparing a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Canadian jobs and industries while maintaining stable trade ties with its largest trading partner. Charette is expected to engage directly with U.S. counterparts in Washington in the coming weeks, as both sides prepare for negotiations that could test the resilience of the trilateral trade system.
Analysts describe the move as a clear signal that Canada is bracing for hard negotiations and is determined to assert its economic sovereignty while seeking common ground with the United States. The outcome of these talks will have far-reaching consequences for trade, investment, and political relations across North America.
