MP Rota goes to Washington

A revised version of an international trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico is expected to be signed at the G-20 in Argentina on Friday.

Nipissing-Temiskaming MP Anthony Rota was part of a Canadian delegation in Washington yesterday (Wednesday) trying to hammer out the last minute details.

Canada’s big concern is the tariffs on aluminum and steel which haven’t been lifted yet by the U.S.

“The congress members and the senators, whether Democrat or Republican are stating that ‘we don’t like tariffs’, the President seems to like tariffs and that’s where the problem lies,” Rota says.

He says these tariffs are affecting Canadian and American businesses.

“It’s impacted some of our people in the riding, whether it’s manufacturing or buying retail.  I just wanted to make sure, as did other MP’s and Senators, is that what’s happening here is also happening to the United States,” says Rota.

He also says once a deal is signed it still must be ratified in Ottawa, Washington and Mexico, which could mean it’s finalized in the spring or summer of next year.

Photo courtesy Texas Republican Congressman Pete Olson