Lighthizer said the USMCA has stronger enforcement provisions than the old North American Free Trade Agreement, including improved labour rights in Mexico, but he’s open to making it stronger. Mexico has passed a sweeping labour reform bill that raises wages and gives unions more power, changes that Canada and the U.S. both pushed for during NAFTA renegotiation, which were acrimonious at times. “The speaker (Pelosi) has been completely fair and above board and, I think, constructive,” Lighthizer said. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland was non-committal about that option during her own visit to Washington last week, which included a meeting with Lighthizer. It is considering the bill in a special session after it was due to adjourn earlier this spring.

Source: National Post June 18, 2019 17:15 UTC