North America Trade Tensions: Canadian Foreign Minister arrives in Washington for urgent talks

World
Europe

01:47

Urgent trade talks are under-way again in Washington, this time involving Canada. Canada's foreign minister Chrystia Freeland cut her trip to Europe short after the US and Mexico announced a "tentative" bilateral trade agreement. She's working to make sure Canada doesn't get left out. CGTN's White House Correspondent Jessica Stone reports.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland arrived in Washington, Tuesday, ready to drive a hard bargain.

CHRYSTIA FREELAND CANADIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER "The fact that Mexico has taken some tough decisions for Mexico and agreed on compromises around labor really is positive for workers in higher wage countries, positive for Canadian and American workers."

Her spokesperson issued this statement: "We will only sign a new NAFTA that is good for Canada and good for the middle class. Canada's signature is required." Canada's original list of demands included protections for Canadian dairy & poultry and improved environmental and labor standards.

JESSICA STONE WASHINGTON "While White House officials say there's a lot for Ottawa to like in the new agreement such as stronger protections for intellectual property and 'modernizing the agreement.' They also say - they're not waiting around."

STEVEN MNUCHIN US TREASURY SECRETARY "The president's objective is to have deals with Mexico and have a deal with Canada. And if we could do it is one deal, we'll do it as one deal. If we do it in two deals we'll do it in two deals."

But approving two separate deals could hit a roadblock in the U.S. Congress. Analysts say, it'll be easier, and quicker to approve a three-party framework that includes Canada. Already, key lawmakers are signaling they won't approve a final agreement without Canada. Jessica Stone, CGTN, at the White House.