This news article was originally posted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. It can be found on their website here.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Candace Laing, will serve as a member of the Prime Minister’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.

To tackle the fight for North American economic security, the Advisory Committee brings together leaders from business, labour and public policy to provide strategic advice to the Prime Minister and Cabinet on the Canada–U.S. relationship — the most productive and competitive economic zone in the world.  

“I am honoured to be asked to contribute the expertise and perspectives of Canadian businesses of all sizes from every region as we face a pivotal time for our economy,” said Laing. “The North American economic partnership has been central to the success of many of the over 200,000 businesses we represent.” 

The Canadian Chamber’s unique ability to convene small businesses is vital at a time when they are often overlooked in large negotiations — despite making up 98% of all businesses. As we approach the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review period culminating on July 1, 2026, the governments of all three jurisdictions are increasingly looking to those who most directly benefit from trade agreements: businesses, workers and communities.  

Through its connection to almost 400 Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, as well as 100 trade associations, and ongoing dialogue with members through our councils, committees and missions, our network brings the Canadian Chamber firsthand perspectives of the businesses faced with the reality of this powerful trade relationship being at risk. “Businesses, especially the many that are part of our integrated supply chains, have been advocating loudly and clearly for an extended, enhanced, effective CUSMA. Millions of workers on both sides of the border benefit from our trade relationship and are counting on us to find a path to becoming an even stronger economic force in the world,” added Laing. 

The Prime Minister’s new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations will play a critical role in helping Canada navigate evolving cross-border challenges and opportunities, including trade, investment and economic security, at a time of heightened uncertainty in the bilateral relationship.  

Laing concluded, “North American competitiveness and prosperity depends on a modernized, strong and future-focused relationship between Mexico, Canada and the United States.”  

Key resources: 

• Canadian Chamber Missions 
• Canadian Chamber submission on CUSMA 
• Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker: Business Data Lab  
• Partners in Prosperity report 

Quick facts: 

• $1.3 trillion crosses the border in annual two-way trade between Canada and the U.S. 
• 1.4 million American jobs are supported by exports to Canada. 
• 866,000 American jobs are supported by Canadian investment in the U.S. 
• 2.3 million Canadian jobs are supported by exports to the U.S. 
• 34 states have Canada as their #1 export destination. 
• 50% of bilateral goods trade is between related companies. 

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success  

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 business of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — working to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success, and impact on business and economic performance.    

Media Contact 

Shane Mackenzie 

Vice President, Media and Stakeholder Communications
613.302.7683
smackenzie@chamber.ca