Mélanie Joly Directs Canadian Consular Network to Support Border Manufacturers Facing U.S. Restrictions

OTTAWA, ON — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly issued an operational directive on Saturday to Canadian diplomatic missions and consulates general across the United States, mobilizing an intensive state-level commercial outreach campaign.

Sub-National Commercial Diplomacy

The diplomatic initiative focuses on twelve key commercial hubs—including Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Seattle, Boston, and Atlanta—where U.S. manufacturing supply chains and public utilities rely directly on Canadian raw materials, clean energy, and specialized automotive components.

Canadian trade commissioners have been instructed to engage directly with state governors, legislative leadership, and regional chambers of commerce to highlight how reciprocal tariffs inflate input costs for American manufacturers and undermine joint defense industrial cooperation.

Coordination with Allied Trade Portfolios

Minister Joly confirmed ongoing consultations with European Union trade representatives and United Kingdom officials to coordinate global supply chain monitoring. The Minister emphasized that Canada will continue to defend its sovereign economic jurisdiction while maintaining open diplomatic channels with U.S. counterparts.

Business Council of Canada representatives commended the sub-national focus, noting that American business leaders and governors represent the most effective advocates for restoring duty-free border commerce.

Upcoming Bilateral Briefings

The Department of Global Affairs will host a national briefing for Canadian export associations on Monday to provide updated guidance on customs classification, country-of-origin documentation, and consular dispute escalation protocols.