Chrystia Freeland Explains Why Canada Did Not Concede Significant Grounds to the US during NAFTA Renegotiations

Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has said that Canada did not concede any significant ground to the United States during the contentious renegotiations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) because Trump was a bully. According to Freeland, Canada’s unwavering stance was driven by a commitment to defending national economic interests, preserving vital trade relationships, and ensuring fair treatment in the face of aggressive demands from the Trump administration. Her steadfast approach showcased her negotiation skills, rooted in principle and pragmatism, and reflected her broader strategy of standing up to what she described as “bullying” tactics by then-President Donald Trump.

Freeland, often referred to as Canada’s “minister of everything” due to her prominent roles in government, took on one of the most challenging tasks of her political career during the NAFTA renegotiations. The process, initiated at the behest of Trump, was marked by heightened tensions and public confrontations. Trump repeatedly threatened to dismantle the agreement altogether, arguing that it disproportionately benefited Canada and Mexico at the expense of American workers. His administration’s stance was characterized by an “America First” rhetoric, aimed at extracting major concessions from its trading partners. Despite these pressures, Freeland maintained a firm posture, emphasizing that Canada’s national interests would not be compromised.

One of the most notable aspects of the renegotiation was Trump’s imposition of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, which he justified on national security grounds. This move was widely criticized both domestically and internationally, with Freeland leading Canada’s strong opposition. She orchestrated retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods and rallied support from American businesses and political allies who were hurt by Trump’s trade policies. Freeland’s approach was characterized by diplomacy combined with a clear message: Canada would not be intimidated into accepting an unfavorable deal.

Throughout the negotiations, Freeland highlighted Canada’s reliance on evidence-based policymaking and international trade norms. Her team presented data to demonstrate that Canada’s trade practices were fair and mutually beneficial. Additionally, Freeland worked to build coalitions with key stakeholders in the United States, including governors and members of Congress, many of whom were skeptical of Trump’s confrontational tactics. By forging alliances and emphasizing shared economic benefits, Freeland strategically reduced the leverage that the U.S. administration sought to wield.

A key question surrounding the negotiations was why Canada managed to hold its ground when facing a much larger economy. The answer lies in Freeland’s negotiation philosophy, which combined resilience with a clear understanding of Canada’s strengths within the trade framework. Unlike Mexico, which faced more significant vulnerabilities, Canada had substantial trade surpluses with the United States and wielded influence in critical sectors, including energy and automotive manufacturing. Freeland’s strategy was to leverage these strengths while remaining open to modernization provisions that would benefit all parties.

One of the most contentious issues was the dispute settlement mechanism, known as Chapter 19, which allowed countries to challenge trade sanctions through an independent panel rather than relying on domestic courts. The U.S. sought to eliminate this provision, arguing that it undermined American sovereignty. However, Canada viewed Chapter 19 as a vital tool for ensuring fair trade practices. Freeland’s team successfully retained this mechanism, marking a significant victory for Canada. She emphasized that an independent dispute resolution process was non-negotiable, as it provided critical protection against arbitrary trade restrictions.

Freeland’s handling of the negotiations reflected her broader views on international relations and leadership. She framed the struggle as a defense of rules-based trade and multilateralism, values she believed were under threat from rising protectionism. In her public statements, Freeland often referenced the importance of democratic principles, transparency, and collaboration. This approach earned her both praise and criticism, with some lauding her principled stance and others questioning whether Canada could afford to resist U.S. demands so firmly.

Trump’s perception of Freeland also shaped the narrative surrounding the negotiations. He frequently criticized her personally, labeling her as “toxic” and dismissing her negotiation tactics. Freeland, in turn, described Trump’s behavior as emblematic of a “bully,” underscoring the broader ideological clash between their respective approaches to governance and trade. This dynamic added a personal dimension to the negotiations, highlighting the contrasting leadership styles of the two figures.

Despite the adversarial atmosphere, Freeland remained focused on outcomes rather than rhetoric. The result was the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which preserved many core elements of NAFTA while introducing updates in areas such as digital trade, labor rights, and environmental standards. While the agreement was ultimately a compromise, it was widely viewed as a success for Canada. Freeland’s ability to navigate the complex and politically charged process demonstrated her resilience and strategic acumen.

In reflecting on the negotiations, Freeland explained that Canada’s refusal to concede stemmed from a belief in the long-term benefits of fair and balanced trade. “Trade agreements are about creating a framework that benefits all parties involved,” she stated. “We fought to protect the livelihoods of Canadian workers, to defend our industries, and to uphold the principles of fairness and reciprocity.” Her stance was rooted in a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of modern economies and the importance of maintaining stable and predictable trade relationships.

Freeland’s performance during the NAFTA renegotiations has become a defining element of her political legacy. As she positions herself as a potential successor to Justin Trudeau as Canada’s next prime minister, her track record on trade and diplomacy will undoubtedly be scrutinized. However, her ability to stand firm against formidable challenges and secure a favorable outcome for Canada has cemented her reputation as a formidable negotiator and a staunch advocate for her country’s interests.