Snapping NAFTA will hurt U.S. middle class: Canada PM Trudeau
Chicago, Feb 8 (IBNS): Reminding Donald Trump about a possible consequence, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said the fall of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) will hurt the middle class of the United States, media reports said.
Trudeau made the comment at the University of Chicago.
Trudeau said the US will be an economic sufferer if it pulls out of the pact.
The PM was quoted by CTV News as saying: "Even if theoretically there is a better opportunity for a long-term deal, in the short-term that's a lot of families out of work (and) suffering in a way that I think would be far worse politically."
"The challenge we have is not trade deal versus no trade deal. It's how do we make sure we're benefiting citizens and workers who don't feel like they've been properly supported or cared for over the past years" he added.
The sixth round of North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has ended in Montreal on Monday with a little "progress".
Trudeau has even said: "We know we can work towards a good deal, but we also know that we will not be pushed into accepting any old deal."
"No deal might very well be better for Canada than a bad deal. And being firm on that is, I think, what Canadians expect of me" he added.
The trade minister of three nations-Canada, the US and Mexico have wrapped up the sixth round of the trade talks.
U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer hopes that the progress will accelerate further.
He told CBC News: "This round was a step forward, but we are progressing very slowly."
The three countries are now discussing on certain key areas leaving behind the anti-corruption issue.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada will agree to a negotiated statement on trade but the country will also protect the domestic softwood lumber industry.
Freeland even stated that Canada agrees with the free and fair trade policy proposed by US President Donald Trump.
Despite a successful round of talks, Freeland accused the US of undermining the status of the NAFTA.
She also said the new version of NAFTA cannot be achieved with a mindset of "winner-takes-all".
Mexican Secretary of Economy said Ildefonso Guajardo said there are still substantial challenges to overcome.
NAFTA is an agreement which came into force from January 1994 by Canada, Mexico and United States creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America.
For more than two years, US President Trump criticised the agreement and also hinted to take some serious steps being in the administration or at least send some ultimatums.
Trump reportedly wants the treaty to be more fair.
Both Canada and the US differ in the climate change.
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