Did Canada attempt a free trade deal with China? | Brian Lilley

Brian Lilley is talking about Trump’s claim (or impression) that Canada was trying to cut a free-trade deal with China, and why that issue is more complicated under CUSMA/USMCA than most people realize. He explains that during Trump’s first term, Canada did explore the idea of a China free-trade deal (and he argues that would’ve been a mistake). That’s also why CUSMA/USMCA includes language about “non-market countries”: if any partner tries to negotiate a free-trade deal with a non-market economy (and he says China clearly counts), you have to inform the other partners, and that can trigger consequences—up to them saying “fine, you’re out” or demanding changes.