OTTAWA – Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland is on her way to Washington to re-join Mexico and the United States for urgent negotiations that could determine NAFTA‘s future.
Freeland cut a trip to Europe short to travel to Washington after President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. and Mexico had reached a bilateral trade “understanding” that could lead to an overhaul – or perhaps the termination – of the three-country agreement.
READ MORE: New U.S.-Mexico trade deal leaves many unanswered questions — especially for Canada
Trump invited Ottawa to join what he characterized as American-Mexican trade negotiations, which have stretched through the summer without Canadian officials at the table.
WATCH: Trudeau still pushing for NAFTA deal despite Trump comments to replace agreement
He also made a pointed threat against Canada, saying that if it can’t reach a new trade deal, then he will slap the country with devastating tariffs on automotive imports.
READ MORE: Trudeau phones Trump to discuss trade as Mexico calls on Canada to return to NAFTA talks
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Freeland is under increasing domestic pressure not to compromise.
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Gerald Butts, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s principal secretary, was seen at the Ottawa airport Tuesday morning, a sign pressure could be mounting for this particular trip.
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