Canada’s Ambassador to the United States Mark Wiseman said Ottawa is prepared for trade negotiations with Washington, but won’t reach a quick deal if it is not in the interest of Canadians.
“We wish to, the best we can, reduce the uncertainty. But we will not reduce it at any cost, because that is—in my view and in the view of the government—not in the best interest of Canadians,” Wiseman told the House of Commons foreign affairs committee on April 23.
Wiseman’s answer came in response to a question by Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif about whether the Liberal government had a desire to delay Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) negotiations. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters that Ottawa was prepared for “detailed negotiations” but also “ready to wait, if that’s what has to happen.”…