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CUSMA Not Renewed: What the Trade Deal Impasse Means for Your Wallet

  July 2, 2026 | Trade & Economy The mandatory six-year review of Canada's most important trade agreement came and went this week — and it did not go the way Ottawa hoped. On July 1, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the United States will not renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in its current form, sending the deal into a more uncertain, year-by-year footing right as Canadians are already navigating tariffs, a soft labour market, and a technical recession. Here is what actually happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for your budget in the months ahead. The short version CUSMA isn't dead. It remains legally in force until 2036. But instead of locking in a fresh 16-year term, the deal now shifts into annual reviews, with existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos and softwood lumber unresolved for now. What happened on July 1 CUSMA was built with a mandatory joint review every six years. If Canada, the U.S. and Mexico had a...

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Ottawa Prioritizes Canadian Steel and Aluminum in Federal Grants


In a significant move to bolster domestic industries, the Canadian government has mandated that all federal grant recipients prioritize the use of Canadian steel and aluminum in their projects. This directive, announced by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, is part of Ottawa's broader strategy to support local manufacturing and counter external trade pressures.

The decision comes amidst ongoing challenges in the global trade landscape, including tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian steel and aluminum. By emphasizing the use of homegrown materials, the government aims to safeguard jobs, strengthen the national economy, and ensure the sustainability of critical industries.

Minister Champagne highlighted the importance of Canadian steel and aluminum in supporting key sectors such as defense, automotive, and infrastructure. He emphasized that this initiative not only protects Canadian workers but also reinforces the country's commitment to a resilient and self-reliant economy.

This policy shift is expected to have a ripple effect across various industries, encouraging innovation and investment in Canadian manufacturing. It also underscores the government's dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable industrial base in the face of global challenges.

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