Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded a visit to Washington, D.C., where she advanced work on a number of important economic and trade files.
Minister Ng met with United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai to advance collaboration on shared priorities and make life better for both Canadians and Americans.
Minister Ng highlighted the importance of working on economic security in both countries to ensure greater economic and supply chain resilience. In this context, the Minister underscored Canada's recently announced measures to address certain non-market practices and policies related to electric vehicles as well as steel and aluminum.
In addition, Minister Ng raised the issue of U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber products and discussed the need to move forward in a mutually beneficial manner that would create greater predictability and stability in the forestry sectors of both countries. Ambassador Tai raised concerns with Canada's Digital Services Tax, which Minister Ng defended as fair, non-discriminatory and consistent with Canada's international trade obligations.
In her role as co-lead of the Team Canada Engagement Strategy, Minister Ng also participated in a working lunch with members of the Canadian American Business Council (CABC) at which she highlighted opportunities to expand the Canada-U.S. economic and trade relationship. She encouraged CABC members to use their voices to highlight the importance of our countries' integrated economies and supply chains to our shared prosperity and economic security.
