MacLauchlan heading to Washington for trade talks

P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan will be among a delegation heading to Washington early next month to try to counter anti-free trade sentiments from the Trump administration.

MacLauchlan said P.E.I. did almost $1 billion in trade with the United States in 2016 — almost double the amount done six years ago — and he hopes that number continues to grow through the renegotiation of NAFTA.

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"The most important thing is that we have, in both directions, a full understanding of the benefits and of the value that we achieve together by having relatively open borders," MacLauchlan said.

'Benefit of parties in both directions'

"And, indeed, as we approach a further look at NAFTA, which indeed is coming, that our approach be to improve it so that the trading relationship can expand to benefit of parties in both directions."

He will be meeting with senior leaders, including the U.S. secretary of agriculture, trade officials and members of Congress.

Other premiers confirmed for the June 7-8 trip are Ontario's Kathleen Wynne, Manitoba's Brian Pallister, and New Brunswick's Brian Gallant.

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