Canada is highlighting the significance of the tightly integrated North American energy market as Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc prepares for discussions in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks come amid ongoing negotiations over the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and growing pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney's government to demonstrate continued engagement with the United States on trade matters.
Background on the Talks
LeBlanc and Janice Charette, Canada's chief negotiator to the U.S., are scheduled to meet Greer on Tuesday before returning to Ottawa the same day. The meeting follows the start of formal talks between U.S. and Mexican negotiators last week regarding potential changes to CUSMA. However, no date has been set for Canada's bilateral discussions with Washington. Greer faces a Monday deadline to notify Congress of U.S. intentions for the agreement, one month before the July 1 review date.
Meetings with Energy Sector Leaders
On Monday, LeBlanc and Energy Minister Tim Hodgson met with leaders from Canada's oil and gas sector, according to a government readout. The discussions focused on preserving the tightly linked energy market that supports jobs, economic growth, and energy security on both sides of the border. Companies that participated included Imperial Oil Ltd., Irving Oil Corp., TC Energy Corp., Enbridge Inc., and South Bow Corp.
Approximately 90 percent of Canada's crude exports went to the U.S. last year, even after the expansion of a west-coast pipeline in 2024 enabled a surge in shipments to China. Canada is seeking to grow energy exports to Asia and has pledged support for Alberta's proposal for a new conduit to British Columbia tidewater.
Opportunities Despite Trade Tensions
Despite trade tensions that have slowed some cross-border shipments, Canadian energy firms still see opportunity in the U.S. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the proposed Bridger pipeline expansion, which would move some 550,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta to Wyoming.
“Both ministers emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between governments and industries ahead of the joint review,” the readout said. Firms pointed to opportunities for Canada and the U.S. to build on their longstanding energy partnership to support competitiveness across North America. They also outlined priorities for the CUSMA review, including maintaining preferential access for Canadian energy, modernizing rules to reduce administrative burdens, improving border efficiency, and ensuring regulatory certainty for businesses.
Broader Trade Context
Last week, Prime Minister Carney urged closer cooperation with the Trump administration on aluminum, auto manufacturing, and critical minerals. “Canada Strong will help make America great again,” he told the Economic Club of New York, adding that Canada has made “specific practical proposals” to Washington.
