Premier optimistic ahead of Canada-U.S trade deal deadline

Nunavut Premier John Main says he feels “encouraged” by the progress in trade negotiations as yet another tariff deadline looms Friday at midnight.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada’s lead negotiator Janice Charette are in Washington, D.C., to negotiate a new Canada-U.S.-Mexico, or CUSMA, trade agreement with U.S. officials such as trade representative Jamieson Greer.

Canada is trying to avert a new round of tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened on nearly $30 billion of Canadian goods if a new deal isn’t reached. At issue is the export of American milk and sale of American liquor north of the border, among other items.

“Although there are still several outstanding issues under active consideration, I’m confident that these efforts will lead to a mutually beneficial agreement,” Main said Thursday in a statement to Nunatsiaq News.

He said a new deal stands to strengthen supply chains that “matter deeply in northern and remote communities,” and that he feels optimistic it can be achieved.

But any deal would need to take into account “unique pressures” Nunavut is facing, like affordability, Main said, pointing to transportation costs, greater supply chain vulnerability, and the high cost of living.

“No single agreement solves everything,” he said. “Our government is focused on making sure the North is part of the economic benefits that come from a strong and stable trade relationship.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney updated premiers Wednesday on the talks and urged them to restock American alcohol in their liquor stores.

Main said he’s ready to comply so that American products can be available for purchase again in Nunavut. 

“Whether Canadians want to buy American alcohol is up to them,” the premier added.

Former Nunavut premier P.J. Akeeagok is also advocating for the territory as part of Carney’s Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations.

Akeeagok is the only Inuk voice on the committee and previously stated his goal is to put the Arctic at the “centre of Canada’s strategic investment agenda and at the forefront of nation‑building.” 

“I have consistently emphasized the central importance of the Arctic to Canada’s sovereignty, security, defence posture, and critical minerals strategy,” Akeeagok shared in a short written statement to Nunatsiaq News.

“We hold significant opportunities for the country, and Inuit regions have a great deal to offer in shaping Canada’s long‑term economic and strategic position.”