TLDR: The CUSMA 2026 Review & Alberta’s Economy
This is a condensed version of the original letter from Business Council of Alberta President, Adam Legge. Read the full statement here.
Submission to Global Affairs Canada on the 2026 Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
October 31, 2025
The 2026 Joint Review is not just a "check-in"—it is a critical pivot point for Alberta. With the U.S. being Alberta’s largest trading partner, the Business Council of Alberta (BCA) argues that Canada must move away from a defensive "protectionist" stance and toward a proactive "North American Competitiveness" strategy. For Alberta, this means securing our energy and agriculture exports while resisting U.S. policy shifts that threaten integrated supply chains.
1. Key Areas of Focus
Energy Security as a Lever: Alberta’s oil, gas, and burgeoning clean energy sectors are the backbone of North American energy security. The review must position Alberta as the "partner of choice" to help the U.S. reduce reliance on unstable global markets.
The "Six-Year Clause": Article 34.7 requires a joint review in 2026. The focus is to ensure the agreement is extended for another 16 years to provide the long-term certainty businesses need to invest in large-scale projects.
Regulatory Alignment: A focus on reducing "red tape" at the border. For Alberta manufacturers and agri-food producers, inconsistent regulations are as much a barrier as actual tariffs.
2. Key Areas of Concern
Rising U.S. Protectionism: Both sides of the U.S. political aisle are leaning toward "Buy American" policies. This threatens Alberta’s manufacturing and tech sectors which are deeply integrated into U.S. supply chains.
The "Sunset" Risk: If the 2026 review goes poorly, the agreement could potentially expire in 2036. This "ticking clock" creates investment uncertainty, making capital more likely to flee Alberta for more stable jurisdictions.
Dispute Settlement Efficacy: Concerns that current mechanisms (like those for dairy or softwood lumber) are being ignored or bypassed, undermining the "rule of law" in trade.
Energy Infrastructure: Political interference in pipelines (e.g., Line 5) remains a massive threat to Alberta’s market access.
3. Strategic Actions for Alberta Stakeholders
Proactive Diplomacy (The "Team Alberta" Approach): Don't wait for 2026. Alberta businesses and leaders must engage now with U.S. state-level counterparts (especially in the Midwest and South) to highlight how Alberta’s exports support their local jobs.
Shift the Narrative: Move the conversation from "Trade" to "Co-Production." We don’t just sell things to the U.S.; we build things together. This narrative helps bypass "Buy American" sentiment.
Modernize the Border: Advocate for digital-first customs and "pre-clearance" for goods to ensure Alberta’s perishable agricultural products and time-sensitive manufacturing components move faster.
Industrial Strategy Alignment: Align Alberta’s emissions reduction and critical mineral strategies with North American goals to ensure our products remain "compliant" with emerging U.S. environmental trade standards.
Bottom Line for the Chamber of Commerce: The 2026 review is the "most significant economic event of the decade" for Alberta. The Chamber's role should be to mobilize local businesses to provide the data and "human stories" that Canadian negotiators need to prove that a strong CUSMA is essential for North American prosperity.