Canada’s water could be next on the CUSMA chopping block

With trade-deal reviews stretching toward 2036, Ottawa must ensure Canada’s freshwater never becomes a bargaining chip.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called Canada’s water a ‘very large faucet’ he wants to turn on for California. White House photograph by Daniel Torok

Opinion

BY YIXUAN MA

July 15, 2026

The United States declined to confirm a 16-year extension to the Canada-U.S.-Mexico United Agreement (CUSMA) on July 1. Compulsory annual reviews now stretch ahead of us toward 2036. U.S. President Donald Trump called Canada’s water a “

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Weekend Point of View Newsletter

A round up of the past weekâ€™s opinion writers and columnists on Saturdays and Sundays.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: