Canadians provide a voice for NAFTA negotiations

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a hot topic. On August 16, 2017, the United States, Canada and Mexico will open negotiations on NAFTA with the expectation of formulating a consensus upon which to build future prosperity.

NAFTA came into effect in 1994, creating one of the world’s largest free trade zones. The agreement strengthened the United States, Canada and Mexico’s economies while benefitting families, farmers, workers, manufacturers and consumers.

That being said, the agreement was signed before the Internet found its way into people’s homes and businesses. In 2017, it’s not hard to deduce that the terms of the agreement are outdated and do not take into account the digital revolution of the last 20 years.

With a process of renegotiation upon them, the Canadian Government has issued a nation-wide request for input from relevant organizations. In a joint initiative with the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce (WCC), the WTC Winnipeg conducted a survey with its local and national clients.

“It’s important for Canadian business leaders to know that their voices are being heard and will be taken into consideration during the NAFTA renegotiations,” explains Mariette Mulaire, President and CEO of the WTC Winnipeg. “The survey validates that Canadians are pro-NAFTA, but also highlights that certain terms of the agreement need to be modernized,” adds Mulaire.

The WTC Winnipeg and the WCC have compiled data from the survey in question and are drafting a proposal to be submitted to the Government of Canada.