With the threats of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration as early as January 20, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has launched a new Council on Canada-U.S. Relations.

Comprised of leaders in business, innovation, and policy, the members of the Council will use their sectoral expertise to support the Prime Minister and Cabinet at this important time in the Canada-U.S. relationship.

The members are as follows: 

• Jean Charest
• Rachel Notley
• Stephen McNeil
• David MacNaughton
• Steve Verheul
• Arlene Dickinson
• Linda Hasenfratz
• Lana Payne
• Jody Thomas
• Flavio Volpe
• Tabatha Bull
• Shahrzad Rafati
• Hassan Yussuff
• Wes Hall
• Martin Caron
• Brian Topp
• Tim Gitzel
• Ambassador Kirsten Hillman

Steve Verheul retired from the federal public service in October 2022 after a career comprising several senior roles, most recently special advisor on trade policy to the Deputy Minister of Finance. From 2017 to 2021, Steve was assistant deputy minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations branch of Global Affairs Canada. 

Steve Verheul is well-known to agriculture in his role as Canada’s chief trade negotiator in the creation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (known as “the new NAFTA”), and, before that, in the development of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.

Source:  Prime Minister’s Office January 16, 2025 news release