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OTTAWA — Although Canadian politicians are in the thick of coming up with plans to deal with U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, industry and labour have also come together to find solutions.

A voluntary initiative was launched on Jan. 10  to form the Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC), which includes participants from a variety of sectors (steel, aluminum, forest products, oil and gas, agri-food, dairy, chemistry, banking, as well as broader industry groups such as the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters) and labour organizations.

The steering committee of the CUSTC will be led initially by the CEOs of the Aluminum Association of Canada and the Canadian Steel Producers Association.

“The group will convene regular meetings to share information and ideas for how best to approach the tariff discussions and the subsequent CUSMA review phase,” a release reads. “The group is not a lobbying or an advocacy organization but will focus instead on sharing information and ensuring an ongoing conversation, including with key government officials who have responsibilities on these files.”

The CUSTC will draw on a group of advisers who have agreed to serve as counsellors, including Steve Verheul, James Moore, Jean Charest, Laura Dawson, RJ Johnston and Adam Taylor. Together these individuals have extensive experience in Canada-US trade relations.

Canadian and provincial government officials will be invited to participate on a recurring basis to share knowledge, update on current developments and gather input from participants.

“This crisis is worth all our efforts, and we must seize the moment to grow Canada stronger within a safer, more secure and competitive business environment for our future. Co-chairing this initiative with my colleague from the steel industry is a privilege,” said Jean Simard, president and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada in a statement.

“At this moment in time, it is crucial that the Canadian business and labour communities come together to reimagine our future with our most important trading partner the United States,” added Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association. “I am very honoured to co-chair this council that convenes some of the strongest voices in the country to support Canada’s interests and opportunities through the journey ahead.”

The release adds that organizations interested in participating in the council can contact Bruce Anderson, partner at Spark Advocacy, or Adam Taylor, partner at NorthStar Public Affairs which are jointly providing secretariat services to the CUSTC.

“As an international union, we know that workers on both sides of the border understand the economic importance of a strong Canada-US trade partnership for their families and communities,” said Marty Warren, national director of the United Steelworkers.

“All workers are counting on all of us to protect good jobs and provide job security through a strong trade partnership, while standing up for our key industries.”