As trade negotiations between Canada and the United States have stalled, premiers are being urged to help revive talks.
Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) delivered letters to every Canadian premier as the impasse in trade negotiations puts the bilateral trade relationship at risk.
In the letter, AED’s President and CEO Brian P. McGuire reminded Canadian premiers about the integrated nature of the supply chains that are critical to the North American equipment industry and the potential damage to provincial economies if trade between Canada and the United States remains unstable.
The letter encourages the provincial governments to work with the federal government and demands all sides return to the negotiating table.
“It is critical to Canada’s national infrastructure and agricultural production that negotiations continue. Our association will actively work to ensure that leaders in both countries understand the importance of reaching a fair agreement through positive and respectful dialogue,” McGuire wrote.
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AED is focused on advocating for the needs and concerns of equipment dealers in Canada and across North America. The association says free and fair trade is a top priority in its government engagement in both Ottawa and Washington.
In September, a similar letter was sent to United States governors from states with significant exposure to Canadian trade urging action.
“Our supply chains do not stop at state lines or national borders. Heavy machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial components, and service parts routinely cross the U.S.-Canada border multiple times during production and distribution. The ongoing uncertainty created by trade disputes will disrupt significant multi-year capital investments, inflate equipment costs and directly threaten local jobs,” McGuire wrote.
As well, AED leadership met with members of Congress and United States trade officials to make the case in favour of maintaining CUSMA and working in partnership with the Canadian government.
The association also called on governors across 33 states to take action to resolve the ongoing trade impasse.
“AED has been a consistent advocate against tariffs in Washington D.C., and in local districts across the country,” McGuire wrote.
“Our Canadian members have been directly impacted by ongoing trade disruptions and are key to major industries across the country.”
