Saying it will “help restore predictability and trade certainty to North American equipment markets,” AED’s President and CEO Brian P. McGuire urged the Canadian House of Commons to ratify the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). It is known as the USMCA in the United States and was ratified by the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 19, 2019 and by the U.S. Senate on Jan. 16, 2020. Mexico also has ratified the deal, leaving only the Canadian Parliament’s approval for the team to be put in effect.
On Feb. 26, McGuire testified before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on International Trade about the importance of swiftly approving implementing legislation to ratify CUSMA. Appearing via teleconference from AED headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill., he emphasized the need for quick passage of the agreement.
“We’ve advocated for a prompt resolution of these negotiations both in Ottawa and in Washington, D.C., and promoted the benefits of reaching a deal speedily in both countries to deliver business confidence, which is a key driver of new investment in the construction, energy and agriculture sectors,” McGuire said.
“By modernizing and strengthening the trade ties between the three countries, CUSMA will help restore predictability and trade certainty to North American equipment markets, creating an environment for greater investment, well-paying jobs and sustained growth,” he added.
“Efficient delivery of heavy equipment, machinery parts and services helps keep costs low for our customers—farmers, road builders, contractors and provincial and local governments, across the country,” he further noted. “Delays in product delivery create inefficiencies that postpone major infrastructure projects that benefit Canadian citizens and commerce.”
McGuire also was present when President Trump signed the measure on Jan. 29.
