Charette will act as a senior advisor to the Prime Minister and to Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade on the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a statement from the prime minister’s office said.

WHY IT MATTERS: CUSMA facilitates the largely free trade between the U.S. and Canada, however U.S. President Donald Trump has not guaranteed it will be renewed.

Canada sends about 70 per cent of its exports to the United States. CUSMA, also known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a continental trade pact that has shielded much of Canada’s exports from U.S. tariffs. It is up for joint review by a July 1 deadline.

“With four decades of experience in public policy and diplomacy, Janice Charette brings extraordinary leadership, expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing Canada’s interests,” Carney said.

“As Chief Trade Negotiator, she will advance Canadian interests and a strengthened trade and investment relationship that benefits workers and industries in both Canada and the United States.”

Charette has twice served as clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the Cabinet, according to the statement. The clerk of the Privy Council is the head of the civil service in Canada.

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