Globe and Mail: Freeland, Warrior Princess

Canada reflects on its relationship with the United States and the behavior of its own leaders after tough negotiations with the Trump administration. Chrystia Freeland is listed among the winners after the negotiations for managing to complete a deal and promote Canada’s world view – Freeland had initially proposed chapters on the environment, gender, indigenous communities and an end to US anti-union right-to-work laws. The North American Free Trade Agreement was shelved and the new name, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, reflects national focus rather than regional cohesion. Of course, there are problems with NAFTA and USMCA, including, “A special clause in the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement would give Washington a near-veto over any attempt by Canada or Mexico to agree to a free-trade deal with a “non-market economy.” Analysts and pundits including one writing for the South China Morning Post suggest the deal threatens China’s position in the global trading system. “If one of the three were to sign a free-trade deal with a non-market country, either of the other two would have the right under article 32.10 to terminate the trilateral USMCA with six months’ notice and form its own bilateral deal on the same terms.” The United States is expected to seek similar clauses in other trade agreements. Canada could have completed a deal faster, possibly a better one. US negotiators criticized Freeland, but now “she can wear her unpopularity in Washington as a badge of honour,” writes Margaret Wente for the Globe and Mail. “Canada a dedicated force for (Liberal-style) good in the world, and that will keep her busy.” The agreement requires approval from the legislatures of the three countries. – YaleGlobal