Canada’s Mercosur imperative
Western University professor Ted Hewitt argues that Canada should move quickly to finalize a free trade agreement with Mercosur, noting that the South American trade bloc represents a major opportunity to diversify exports and strengthen Canada's long-term economic resilience. While acknowledging concerns from agricultural groups over potential impacts on supply-managed sectors, he writes that the economic benefits—including expanded trade, investment, research partnerships and access to a market of 282 million people with a combined GDP of roughly US$3 trillion—outweigh sector-specific objections. The op-ed also points to the EU's recent agreement with Mercosur as evidence that Canada should act quickly to remain competitive.
