Three-way talks with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo have not taken place since, and none are imminent. If that is not possible we are ready to advance bilaterally with the U.S.”There’s confidence in Ottawa that Congress won’t approve a deal without Canada. “I think while Congress is generally supportive of Canada, given that Canada is playing defence on a lot of these issues, I don’t know how long that will hold,” said Ujczo, who is well-versed in NAFTA’s nuances. “I don’t think it’s surprising that they would have been able to come up with a creative solution for dairy,” given the degree to which the issue has been “right in the U.S. crosshairs,” said Ujczo. But Canada is insistent that some form of independent bi-national dispute resolution be part of the deal.

Source: National Post September 16, 2018 15:00 UTC