COVID-19 is one of several complications delaying the implementation of the revised North American trade agreement beyond June 1 — when the Trump administration wanted the new deal to take effect. The text of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) says it will take effect on the first day of the third month after the final country gives this notice. While that legislation was an important step toward making the necessary changes to laws and regulations, Canada's Parliament does not ratify trade treaties. June 1 'highly aggressive'Canada's slow walk to implementation appears in line with the thinking of some Congressional leaders in Washington. Even if the virus wasn't disrupting business on both sides of the border, implementing the new NAFTA requires changes to how customs are administered.

Source: CBC News March 31, 2020 21:21 UTC