Published on 03/06/2026 - 9:07 GMT+2

Canada is urging the United States and Mexico to extend their shared free trade agreement for another 16 years, even while US President Donald Trump has renewed comments about Canada becoming the 51st state.

A letter sent Tuesday to US trade representative Jamieson Greer and Mexico's economy secretary Marcelo Ebrard conveyed Canada's stance that the pact supports all three nations along with the combined North American economy.

Canada's minister for US trade, Dominic LeBlanc, noted that Canada had also received correspondence from Greer and Ebrard. Ebrard indicated Tuesday that Mexico favors the same 16-year extension.

The communications precede the planned July review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, known as USMCA. This pact has linked the economies of the three countries since the early 1990s. It may face yearly reviews or receive a 16-year renewal.

LeBlanc and Canada's lead trade negotiator, Janice Charette, held talks with Greer in Washington on Tuesday. LeBlanc presented several proposals to address longstanding US concerns regarding Canada.

On July 1, if the three parties do not agree to a 16-year extension, the agreement continues for 10 additional years with annual reviews, LeBlanc explained.

LeBlanc has noted that Washington may prefer annual reviews and that the Trump administration could introduce uncertainty about the deal's long-term status.

Trump revives Canada as the 51st state rhetoric

On Monday, Trump shared a post labeled 51st State on social media that referenced a report on Canada entering a technical recession. The US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, later reposted the message.

Canadian officials have consistently pushed back against such remarks to protect national sovereignty.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford responded sharply on Tuesday, stating that Canada will never become the 51st state and is not available for purchase.

When asked Tuesday whether Ambassador Hoekstra should depart, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declined, noting the need to engage with the current administration on major trade and security matters. Carney added that the team would not react to every social media post from Trump.

Carney also recognized economic softness in Canada during a Tuesday Cabinet meeting. He pointed out that the US maintains roughly 30 trade concerns with Canada, compared to nearly 60 with Mexico.

Washington retains the option to exit the agreement with six months' notice.