Canada U.S. Economic Relations at a Crossroads: Trade, Tariffs and Future

What do changing Canada–U.S. trade relations mean for Canadian businesses and the future of our economy? The Trump administration’s escalating use of tariffs and increasingly assertive approach to trade have placed Canada’s most important economic relationship under renewed strain. For Canada, the consequences extend beyond individual tariffs or trade disputes. Growing uncertainty over U.S. economic policy is challenging long-standing assumptions about market access, investment and integrated supply chains, while potentially altering the economic trajectory Canada has followed for decades. Together, we will examine the economic consequences of a changing Canada–U.S. relationship, from tariffs, market access and cross-border supply chains to investment, competitiveness and the future of North American trade, including the continuing role of CUSMA. We will consider what these pressures mean for Canadian businesses and the wider economy, including growth, jobs, household finances and affordability. We will also ask a larger question: is this a short-term disruption in Canada–U.S. economic relations, or the beginning of a fundamental shift in Canada’s economic trajectory? We will also look beyond the United States, considering how Canada’s efforts to diversify its economic relationships with Europe, Asia and other global partners could strengthen its resilience and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses. We will explore what greater diversification could realistically achieve, how businesses can capitalize on emerging markets and partnerships, and how Canada can use its influence as a middle power while preserving the benefits of its economic relationship with the United States. Meet the Speakers Professor Kristen Hopewell: Kristen Hopewell is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Global Policy at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, UBC, and Director at Liu Institute for Global Issues. She specializes in international trade, global governance, and industrial policy. She is the author of two books 1) Clash of Powers: US-China Rivalry in Global Trade Governance and 2) Breaking the WTO. Kristen is also the Wilson China Fellow at the Wilson Center, Washington DC. Prior to academia, she served as a trade official for the Canadian government and as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley. Kristen has also served as an advisor to the US State Department on trade. Daniel Kiselbach: Daniel Kiselbach is the Vancouver Managing Partner at Miller Thomson LLP and National Lead at the firm’s Global Trade and Customs Group. He has over 30 years of experience in customs, global trade, and tax law. He is licensed to practise in BC, Ontario, and New York, and a licensed customs broker. Daniel is the author of Canadian Customs Law (Carswell) and The Annotated Customs Act (Thomson Reuters). He has advised clients across automotive, energy, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, mining, and technology sectors. Daniel was recently appointed as the honorary consul general of Mongolia in Canada. *Photograph and Video release By registering for this event, you grant permission for photographic or video recordings of you to be electronically displayed on the organizer's social media channels.