New Council on Canada-U.S. Relations includes ag trade negotiator

Jan 17, 2025

With the threats of tariffs from the incoming U.S. administration as early as January 20, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has launched a new Council on Canada-U.S. Relations.

Comprised of leaders in business, innovation, and policy, the members of the Council will use their sectoral expertise to support the Prime Minister and Cabinet at this important time in the Canada-U.S. relationship.

The members are as follows:

Jean Charest
Rachel Notley
Stephen McNeil
David MacNaughton
Steve Verheul
Arlene Dickinson
Linda Hasenfratz
Lana Payne
Jody Thomas
Flavio Volpe
Tabatha Bull
Shahrzad Rafati
Hassan Yussuff
Wes Hall
Martin Caron
Brian Topp
Tim Gitzel
Ambassador Kirsten Hillman

Steve Verheul retired from the federal public service in October 2022 after a career comprising several senior roles, most recently special advisor on trade policy to the Deputy Minister of Finance. From 2017 to 2021, Steve was assistant deputy minister of the Trade Policy and Negotiations branch of Global Affairs Canada.

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Video: Syngenta Ag Stories - Reanna Hagel, Channel Marketing Manager

Growing up on a cow-calf operation and small feedlot near Lumby, BC, Reanna learned agriculture the hands-on way with her sister on the family farm. Today, as Channel Marketing Manager for Syngenta Canada, what Reanna loves most about her work is simple: the customer is always at the centre. Whether that's a grower or a channel partner, she understands them on a personal level - because she's the daughter of one. But for Reanna, supporting ag doesn't stop at her job. She volunteers with local 4-H clubs, lends a hand to her farming neighbours, and is raising her own kids to understand and respect the land. Her advice to the next generation? "It's an amazing time to be in the industry - it's going to look completely different in 20 years. To be part of the evolution is very exciting."