Word of a breakthrough in the automotive component of NAFTA discussions has negotiators and stakeholders dealing with an unfamiliar feeling: optimism. 'A step in the right direction'6:37That's a key concession on a critical industry, and it has raised hopes that similar progress can be made in other areas. While he also says he's encouraged, economist Derek Holt at Scotiabank also urges caution on hopes of an apparent breakthrough. Still, the news is the biggest positive development that the talks have seen in a long time. "I must say that in the last two weeks the talks that we've had … have been more positive than I've seen them before," MacNaughton told Tuesday's conference.

Source: CBC News March 21, 2018 13:46 UTC