EFC Shares Industry Priorities as CUSMA Discussions Continue

July 22, 2026

By Electro Federation Canada

As discussions continue on the future of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA), Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) met with senior federal officials to share the priorities of Canada’s electrical and automation industry and support Canada’s ongoing trade discussions. 

EFC met with officials from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), including representatives from the Office of Minister Mélanie Joly, as well as the Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade. 

These discussions provided an opportunity to ensure federal negotiators have current industry insights, market intelligence and member perspectives as Canada continues negotiations with the United States. 

For EFC members, the outcome of these discussions matters. Trade policy directly impacts manufacturing investment, integrated North American supply chains, and the reliable movement of the electrical products and technologies that power Canada’s economy. 

North American Industry Speaks with One Voice 

A key message shared with government was the strong alignment across North America’s electrical manufacturing sector. 

EFC, the U.S. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), and Mexico’s CANAME continue to support a comprehensive trilateral CUSMA/USMCA agreement and the removal of unnecessary tariffs affecting the highly integrated supply chains that connect manufacturers across all three countries. 

Together, our organizations continue to advocate for: 
  • A modernized trilateral CUSMA/USMCA agreement  
  • Stable and predictable trade policies  
  • Efficient border and customs processes  
  • Secure and resilient North American supply chains  
  • Continued harmonization of standards across North America  
CUSMA

This alignment reinforces that maintaining integrated North American supply chains is a shared priority across Canada, the United States and Mexico, providing a strong foundation as governments continue negotiations. 

Strengthening Canada’s Manufacturing Competitiveness 

While trade negotiations continue, EFC also encouraged government to focus on measures within Canada’s control that strengthen long-term manufacturing competitiveness. 

Drawing on findings from EFC’s recent Manufacturing Competitiveness Survey, EFC highlighted opportunities to improve Canada’s investment environment through policies that encourage domestic manufacturing expansion, strengthen supply chain resilience, and improve investment economics. 

The discussion also explored how Canada can build on its competitive advantages—including market access and proximity to North American supply chains—while addressing barriers that influence future manufacturing investment.

To further strengthen Canada’s competitiveness, EFC shared several policy recommendations, including expanding investment incentives for strategic electrification technologies, supporting domestic supply chains, and creating a more competitive environment for manufacturing investment. 

During the discussion, officials also encouraged manufacturers considering expansion or new investments in Canada to explore the Strategic Response Fund, which may help de-risk eligible investment projects.  

Continuing to Represent Member Interests 

EFC will continue engaging with federal officials throughout the CUSMA negotiations to ensure the perspectives of Canada’s electrical and automation industry remain well represented. 

Working alongside our North American industry partners, EFC remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen Canadian manufacturing, encourage investment, reinforce resilient supply chains, and support the reliable delivery of the electrical technologies that are essential to Canada’s economic growth and energy future. 

Originally posted on July 16th by Electro Federation Canada: Source

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