(TORONTO, ON — July 1, 2026) —The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) today emphasized the need for continued negotiations following the deferment of any decision to renew the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
“Today’s announcement confirms what businesses have been preparing for,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “While CUSMA remains in place until 2036, subject to annual reviews, the North American economy will underperform until there’s long-term certainty for investors. We urge negotiators to stay engaged and to be guided by the consistent support for renewal from businesses in all three countries.”
Ontario is at the heart of the integrated North American economy, which depends on deeply integrated cross-border supply chains and long-term capital investment — particularly in sectors currently affected by unjustified U.S. tariffs, including steel, aluminum, autos, and forestry.
“Annual uncertainty is a tax on North American competitiveness,” Tisch added. “When the rules aren’t clear, businesses and investors on both sides of the border pull back. North America has an opportunity for a jobs and investment boom – but only if we restore stable trade rules for businesses in all three countries.”
The OCC welcomes the Government of Canada’s approach to these negotiations from a position of strength and its commitment to continue working closely with North American partners. These efforts will be critical to securing a more durable framework that provides certainty for workers, businesses, and investors across the continent.
The OCC’s Trade & Competitiveness Council will continue to monitor developments and provide recommendations to governments to strengthen trade competitiveness, expand market access, and reduce barriers to growth.
