Agricultural interests will have a seat at the table on the federal government’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.
Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) executive director Michael Harvey has been appointed to the committee ahead of the 2026 review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
The committee, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and chaired by Minister Dominic LeBlanc, brings together leaders from business, labour, and industry to help guide Canada’s economic and security relationship with the U.S. Harvey said in a release Tuesday the role gives Canada’s agri-food sector a chance to push key exporter priorities, including preserving dependable cross-border trade, addressing new barriers, and reinforcing the systems that support North American food production.
CAFTA, which represents 90% of Canada’s agri-food exporters, described the appointment as important for a sector heavily reliant on trade and market access. With nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the Canada-U.S. border each day, the alliance said the relationship remains vital to export growth, farm viability and Canada’s broader competitiveness.
As preparations begin for the 2026 CUSMA joint review, CAFTA president Greg Northey said it will be essential for agri-food exporters to have a strong voice in the discussions. The group said it plans to use its place on the committee to advocate for stronger market access, fewer non-tariff barriers and a more stable, reliable trading environment for Canada’s export-dependent farm and food sectors.
Along with several others, the advisory committee will also include former federal agriculture minister Ralph Goodale and Nutrien CEO Ken Seitz.
