Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne said U.S. officials have been made aware that “legislation like that would generate a response on the Canadian side.” (Reuters)

Talking point: Champagne has said the meetings would emphasize a “regional” supply chain and the importance of working together amid a “a generational transformation towards electrification”—including sharing Canada’s rich supply of rare-earth minerals. Trade Minister Mary Ng previously told U.S. officials that Canada was considering challenging the proposed U.S. policies under the USMCA trade deal. The proposals—including tying US$4,500 in electric-vehicle credits to union-made vehicles produced in the U.S., making US$500 in rebates conditional on U.S.-manufactured batteries, and requiring vehicles to be assembled in the U.S. to qualify for the entire US$12,500 tax credit beginning in 2027—could cost tens of thousands of jobs in Canada, she reportedly said in a letter.