Canada Appoints Janice Charette as U.S. Chief Trade Negotiator

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday appointed Janice Charette as Canada–U.S. trade negotiator, tasking her with leading talks ahead of the scheduled review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) later this year.

Charette, a veteran public servant with more than four decades in government, will advise Carney and Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade relations, as Ottawa prepares for negotiations with Washington. The CUSMA review is due by July 1 and is expected to draw close attention from industry and policymakers across North America.

About 70% of Canadian exports to the United States flow south of the border, making the agreement central to the Canadian economy. Officials say the deal has helped limit exposure to U.S. tariffs on Canada, but recent trade disputes have underlined ongoing friction between the two countries.

• Mark Carney appoints Janice Charette as Canada-US trade negotiator
• Veteran official to lead talks ahead of CUSMA review deadline
• Canada prepares for high-stakes negotiations with the United States

Carney said Charette’s experience, including two terms as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, positions her to manage complex discussions tied to North American trade agreement rules. Her mandate includes safeguarding market access for key sectors such as automotive manufacturing, forestry, agriculture and energy.

Charette will work alongside Canada’s ambassador in Washington as Ottawa seeks stability in bilateral trade talks at a time when U.S. trade policy remains a political issue. A recent U.S. House vote on Canada tariffs highlighted divisions in Washington and renewed uncertainty for exporters.

The appointment comes as Canada also looks beyond its southern neighbour. Carney’s government has signalled interest in expanding trade ties with other partners, including India, as part of a broader push for trade diversification strategy while maintaining its largest economic relationship.

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Officials said Charette’s role will focus squarely on the United States, where the outcome of the CUSMA negotiations is expected to shape investment, jobs and supply chains across the region.