Stephen Harper backs Canada’s exit from U.S. trade talks

Former prime minister Stephen Harper said Canada had no choice but to leave trade negotiations with the United States, speaking at the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto on Tuesday. In his closing remarks, Harper said the move was difficult but necessary, arguing that Canada should reduce its dependence on the U.S. and protect its economic sovereignty. He warned that deep integration with the U.S. could undermine Canada’s industrial capacity under the current American administration. Harper also used the speech to call for more domestic competitiveness, stronger permitting and regulatory reform, and greater support for resource development. He praised Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to speed up major project approvals and described the investment summit as a useful step for attracting capital to Canada.