In short, Canada is seeking equitable bi & multilateral trade deals wherever appropriate while the US is increasingly offending historic trade partners or acting in ways that cause such established partners to question US motives & reliability.

Unpredictability & risk abound currently for Canadian foreign trade but we are responding resolutely & creatively.  Other nations likewise have increasing cause to worry about their trade with the US & are therefore more open to building links with Canada.

We shouldn't precipitate a rupture in our US NAFTA relationship but by pursuing the relationships described above (& reducing interprovincial trade barriers), we strengthen our NAFTA bargaining position & limit the damage that will result if US aggreeiveness leads to a US withdrawal from NAFTA.