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Saskatchewan keeping close eye on NAFTA negotiations

Aug 20, 2017 | 3:21 PM

Talks over the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are underway in Washington, D.C. and businesses in Saskatchewan have a player in the game.

Around 75 people are part of the delegation currently in the U.S. and for Larry Fladager, CEO for the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce, if they can iron out regulations around wood pulp, it would be a win for Prince Albert.

“If it is an area of where there are issues, then let’s work out a deal for the people of Saskatchewan, Canada and all countries involved.”

Fladager says within the city, there are mixed feelings among business owners on how well NAFTA currently works. Some say the 23-year-old trade agreement needs change, while others are comfortable with the current rules and regulations.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is also weighing in on the process as nearly 90 per cent of the province’s exports to the United States are from small to medium business firms. 

“There’s no surprise that the United States remains Saskatchewan’s most important trading partner,” Marilyn Braun-Pollon with the CFIB said, adding a number of sectors will be affected.

“The US accounts for more than half of the province’s exports. Businesses here will be watching this very closely.”

There is no word on how long negotiations will last, but each country agrees the deal should be wrapped up within a year. Talks are planned for Mexico next month before coming to Canada later in the fall.

 

brandon.graziano@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @brandongraziano