Getting Ready for Implementation of the
Canada-United States-Mexico Trade Agreement
On December 19, 2019, the United States House of Representatives passed the USMCA (known in Canada as CUSMA) with bipartisan support by a vote of 385–41. On January 16, 2020, the United States Senate passed the trade agreement by a vote of 89–10. President Trump has since signed the bill, Mexico ratified the agreement last year and Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, has now asked Parliament to pass legislation in order for CUSMA to be enacted.
Under the terms of the agreement, CUSMA takes effect on the first day of the third month following the last country’s (i.e. Canada’s) ratification. It is now anticipated that the agreement could be implemented by early summer, 2020.
For the Canadian dairy industry, much work is being undertaken at all levels to ensure that the industry is in compliance with the agreement once it is implemented. The Western Dairy Council and several of its members are actively involved in consultations with government, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to make sure the industry is ready for its implementation.
Under the terms of the agreement, CUSMA takes effect on the first day of the third month following the last country’s (i.e. Canada’s) ratification. It is now anticipated that the agreement could be implemented by early summer, 2020.
For the Canadian dairy industry, much work is being undertaken at all levels to ensure that the industry is in compliance with the agreement once it is implemented. The Western Dairy Council and several of its members are actively involved in consultations with government, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to make sure the industry is ready for its implementation.
