Conservatives and former provincial premiers among those PM names to advisory committee on economic relations
Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, says his new advisory committee on economic relations with the United States will draw on the “best advice and the broadest perspectives” as the country braces what many expect will be tense trade negotiations with its southern neighbour.
The 24-member advisory committee, announced on Tuesday, shows the prime minister’s eagerness to reach across the political spectrum to ensure Canada is “well positioned to advance its interests” at the looming trade talks.
Among those selected by the prime minister are the former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole and former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt. Carney also appointed the former provincial premiers PJ Akeeagok and Jean Charest, as well as the former Canadian high commissioner to the United Kingdom Ralph Goodale. Only four people were retained from the previous council, assembled by former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
Carney also added executives from the banking, railway, energy and agricultural industries to the council, as well as leaders from the auto sectors, the Canadian chamber of commerce and one of the country’s largest unions.
