TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey joins federal trade advisory committee

Cameron Bailey, chief executive officer of the Toronto International Film Festival, has been named to a newly established federal advisory body tasked with guiding Canada’s economic relationship with the United States, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday.

The 24-member panel, formally titled the Advisory Committee on Canada U.S. Economic Relations, will provide strategic advice on trade, investment, and cross border cooperation as Canada prepares for the Joint Review of the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the initiative reflects a coordinated effort to maintain Canada’s favourable trade position with its largest partner.

“Canada is approaching its economic relationship with the United States with focus, discipline, and unity,” Mr. Carney said. “This new Advisory Committee ensures that government is drawing on the best advice and the broadest perspectives to advance Canada’s economic interests.”

According to the federal government, 85 per cent of Canada’s trade with the United States remains tariff free, giving the country one of the lowest average tariff rates globally. Officials say preserving that advantage will be central to upcoming negotiations.

The committee will be chaired by Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada U.S. Trade. Its membership spans business, labour, and cultural sectors, with Mr. Bailey representing Canada’s screen industry at a time when cultural exports are increasingly tied to economic policy.

Mr. LeBlanc emphasized the importance of coordination across sectors.

“Canada is strongest when governments, workers, businesses, and industry leaders pull in the same direction,” he said. “This Advisory Committee will help us stay closely connected to the perspectives of key sectors, support effective outreach, and strengthen Canada’s position as we establish a new economic and security relationship with the United States.”

The committee is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 27, 2026. It replaces the former Council on Canada U.S. Relations, whose members were thanked by the Prime Minister for their service during what officials described as a consequential period.

Canada’s economic ties with the United States support millions of jobs on both sides of the border, making the relationship a central pillar of the North American economy. The addition of Mr. Bailey signals an effort to include cultural leadership alongside traditional economic voices as Ottawa shapes its strategy ahead of the CUSMA review.

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