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.