Although they spoke on the phone Wednesday, President Trump and Prime Minister Carney did not discuss CUSMA despite the upcoming deadline. 

Mark Carney spoke to reporters Thursday morning on Parliament Hill. He says the President called him for a long and constructive discussion regarding NATO and the war in Iran.  

Although those are important topics, it should be noted that there is just over a week before the July 1st deadline to either renew or review the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. 

 Regarding a trade deal, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said recently that officials are nowhere near the finish line. Carney didn’t disagree. 

“What I have seen with the President is that you’re not close to making a deal and then you make a deal. I’ve seen that in different cases. Doesn’t mean the deals are good deals.”

He adds that a bad deal could have been signed a year ago, but he wants to hold out for a “real deal.” 

Carney also adds that he will be attending the Calgary Stampede this year, but not just for the entertainment.  

He says he has made about six trips to Alberta in the last year, and several more are in store in light of separation talks.  

Carney adds that his message to Albertans has three key core points; “Canada is worth fighting for…We are stronger together, and thirdly, this is a real referendum. This is not a question about a question.” 

He adds that several of the major projects announced this year require Alberta, mainly the pipeline to the West Coast. 

The United Conservative government is asking 10 questions as part of the October 19th referendum, including one asking Albertans whether they want the province to remain in Canada or hold a second referendum on secession.