Former American ambassador weighs in on trade, China and U.S.-Canada relationship

A former U.S. Ambassador to Canada joined 650 CKOM’s Gormley Wednesday morning to discuss the new NAFTA deal, also known as United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the ongoing China dispute and the relationship between the U.S. and Canada.

David Wilkins held the position from 2005 until 2009.

He’ll be in Saskatoon from July 21 to July 24 for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) summit.

When it comes to USMCA, Wilkins said that time is running out to finalize the agreement, with the House adjourning on Aug. 1.

“It’s less than 50-50 they’ll get this done this month. But if not, hopefully they’ll come back and do it in September. The business community in the US is putting a lot of pressure on the congressmen to (get it finished),” Wilkins said.

He also spoke about the “bullying” tactics of China towards Canada.

He said he believes that the relationship between the U.S. and Canada will help Canada in working toward a better outcome with China in the future.

“You can’t play nice to a bully, and win. China’s been a bully on the block for a long time,” the former Ambassador said.

“Relationships matter. The more that relationship at the top (between the U.S. and Canada) can be solidified and built by the Prime Minister to the President (the better).”

For the full audio interview with Wilkins, click here.