As the first round of renegotiations of NAFTA approaches – starting on August 16 – the Liberal Government is adopting a multi-partisan and inclusive approach with the creation of the NAFTA Advisory Council. Former politicians from the entire political spectrum, along with stakeholders will be assisting the Chief Negotiator Minister Chrystia Freeland (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and her team in the challenging renegotiations of NAFTA with the United States and Mexico.
Two well-known Labour leaders are now part of that council and will ensure the voice of Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast be heard. CLC President Hassan Yussuff and former Alberta’s Chief of Staff Brian Topp were appointed this week to sit on the council.
‟Hassan Yussuff and Brian Topp are great choices for representing Labour and advocating on behalf of millions of workers. We know that NAFTA had disastrous consequences on the IAM membership and I will be in close communication with Hassan and Brian throughout the process to make sure that Labour’s policy points are fully considered by the Trudeau Government’’ states GVP Stan Pickthall.
Diplomatic appointments were also announced this week. For a full list of the NAFTA Council members, click here.
