Loading articles...

Canada urges calm in response to Trump's NAFTA threats as talks continue

Last Updated Aug 28, 2017 at 5:54 pm MDT

In this April 21, 2008 file photo, national flags of the United States, Canada, and Mexico fly in New Orleans. Canada, the United States, and Mexico have entered a confidentiality agreement to protect each other's offers during NAFTA negotiations, with a list of rules designed to prevent leaks during the talks. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Judi Bottoni

VANCOUVER – Canada’s international trade minister is urging calm in the wake of renewed threats from Donald Trump to tear up the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Francois-Philippe Champagne says it is important not to react to every remark and comment made about the trade deal.

Champagne says there is nothing worrisome about what he described as a push to modernize NAFTA, which has happened several times since the deal came into effect in the 1990s.

A second round of talks is scheduled to begin at the end of the week between Canada, the United States and Mexico.

Champagne was in Vancouver for a luncheon hosted by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce.

He also lauded the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, which will slash more than 98 per cent of transatlantic tariffs when it comes into effect on Sept. 22.