Canada and USMCA: A Positive Step Towards Fair Trade

The **United States** is a federal republic and a global superpower, playing a leading role in economics, military strength, technology, and governance. It is a nation of approximately 348 million people as of 2025, characterized by its diverse population and dynamic economy[8][6]. Founded in 1776 following independence from British rule, the U.S. rapidly evolved into a major world power, especially after World War II, when its technological and economic investments solidified its global dominance[4]. Today, it remains the world’s preeminent military power, with 76% of Americans recognizing this status, while about half view it as the leading economic power globally, though China is seen as a rising competitor[2][3]. The U.S. government operates through a complex system that manages federal finances, taxation, social welfare programs, and trade policies. Recent legislative changes, such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, have shaped the tax landscape to influence economic growth, labor markets, and federal revenue[1]. Despite challenges like rising federal deficits projected to reach 6.9% of GDP by 2027, consumer spending remains resilient, and business investment is expected to grow steadily in 2025[5]. In governance, the U.S. is rated "Free" with a score of 84/100 by Freedom House, though concerns about democratic erosion and partisan conflicts persist[6]. Public trust and satisfaction with government services fluctuate, reflecting ongoing debates about policy effectiveness and institutional competence[7]. Technologically, the U.S. maintains a critical edge, underpinning its economic and geopolitical power. Experts warn, however, that technological dominance is not guaranteed indefinitely, emphasizing the need for adaptive policies and international cooperation to sustain leadership in innovation and global affairs[4]. Overall, the United States remains a pivotal force in global business, technology, and politics, balancing historic strengths with contemporary challenges in

## Comprehensive Summary of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) The **United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)** is a trilateral free trade agreement that replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020. It is often referred to as "NAFTA 2.0" due to its modernization and expansion of the original agreement. ### History and Negotiation - **Negotiation and Signing**: The USMCA was negotiated over a period of 14 months, concluding with an initial agreement on September 30, 2018. It was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G20 Summit in November 2018, with a revised version signed on December 10, 2019[1][4]. - **Ratification**: The agreement was ratified by all three countries, with Canada being the last on March 13, 2020[1]. ### Key Achievements - **Intellectual Property and Digital Trade**: The USMCA includes new chapters on digital trade and intellectual property, setting a modern framework for 21st-century commerce[2][3]. - **Labor Provisions**: It strengthens labor rights by making them enforceable, including provisions against forced labor and protections for migrant workers[6]. - **Automotive Sector**: Improved rules of origin for automobiles aim to increase domestic content requirements, benefiting workers in the sector[2][3]. - **Agriculture**: The agreement modernizes and expands agricultural trade, providing new market access for dairy products[2][3]. ### Current Status and Notable Aspects - **Economic Impact**: USMCA facilitates a balanced trade environment, supporting high-paying jobs and economic growth in North America[3][7]. - **Trade Volume**: In 2022, U.S. goods and services trade with US

The **North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)** was a landmark trade pact signed in 1992 by **Canada, Mexico, and the United States**, forming one of the largest free-trade blocs globally by GDP. It came into force on January 1, 1994, aiming to gradually eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods and services crossing the three countries' borders, thereby fostering economic integration across North America[1][2]. NAFTA's origins trace back to U.S. President Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign proposal for a North American free trade zone and were further shaped by the 1988 Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Negotiated by the administrations of George H.W. Bush (U.S.), Brian Mulroney (Canada), and Carlos Salinas de Gortari (Mexico), NAFTA expanded the Canada-U.S. free trade framework to include Mexico, promoting increased trade and investment opportunities across diverse sectors[1][4]. Key achievements of NAFTA include the removal of tariffs that were as high as 30% on U.S. goods entering Mexico, facilitating duty-free access for products and services such as manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, and consulting. It standardized health, safety, and industry regulations to reduce non-tariff barriers, streamlined border processing to decrease clearance times, and imposed penalties for customs violations[7]. NAFTA helped boost trade volumes, supply chain integration, and economic growth, creating millions of jobs and enhancing competitiveness in the region[2]. In addition to trade liberalization, NAFTA incorporated side agreements on labor (NAALC) and environmental cooperation (NAAEC), addressing social and ecological concerns linked to increased trade[1][4]. NAFTA remained the governing trade framework until it was replaced on July 1, 2020, by the **United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)**, also known as CUSMA or T-MEC. The USMCA updated provisions on intellectual property

The **Prime Minister** is the head of government in parliamentary systems, primarily responsible for setting government policy, overseeing the operation of government agencies and the Civil Service, and appointing members of the Cabinet and ministers. The Prime Minister leads the executive branch and is the principal government figure in the legislature, often the House of Commons or equivalent, depending on the country[1][2][5]. The role originated in 17th-century France but was formalized in Britain during the 18th century, evolving into a central figure in British and Commonwealth governance. The British model, exemplifying a "strong prime minister" system, has influenced many countries including Canada, Australia, India, and New Zealand[4][5]. The Prime Minister’s power includes controlling the legislative agenda, managing the civil service, determining government structure, and crisis management during national emergencies[1][4]. Key responsibilities include maintaining a parliamentary majority to pass legislation and budgets, chairing Cabinet meetings, setting agendas for Cabinet committees, managing relationships with opposition parties and devolved governments, and representing the government in Parliament and to the monarch or head of state[1][2]. The Prime Minister may also call elections and has significant influence over national policy and economic priorities[4]. Historically, the office has grown from informal leadership to a constitutionally recognized position with broad executive powers, though the extent varies by country. For example, in semi-presidential systems like Lebanon, the Prime Minister shares executive power with a President but must maintain parliamentary support[3]. In Australia, the Prime Minister is chosen by the governing party and must maintain majority support in the House of Representatives[6]. Currently, the UK Prime Minister is The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, who leads the government with the support of the Cabinet and ministers[2]. The Prime Minister’s role remains pivotal in shaping government direction, policy implementation, and political leadership, making it a critical focus for those interested in business and technology policy impacts globally.

**FRIDAY** is a Brooklyn-based software company specializing in workforce management solutions tailored for small businesses with hourly employees. Founded by Hershy Goldstein (CEO), Martin Schwartz (CTO), and Pincus Schiff (CMO), the company focuses on simplifying and streamlining operations such as time tracking, payroll, and team communication for hands-on businesses. Their platform minimizes administrative overhead, enabling business owners to concentrate more on core activities rather than routine HR tasks[2][4]. The organization was established by a team combining expertise in software development, business operations, and human resources. This multidisciplinary foundation allows FRIDAY to address the specific challenges faced by small businesses that rely heavily on hourly labor, a niche often underserved by traditional human capital management systems[2]. FRIDAY's main achievements include developing an integrated platform that centralizes essential workforce management functions. This tool helps users easily monitor employee attendance, process payroll efficiently, and maintain clear communication within teams. Notable clients such as Sury Goldstein, Noach Schmahl, and Nathen Engel illustrate the company’s reach within its target market of small business owners. With a compact team of 11-50 employees, FRIDAY operates as a privately held company, maintaining agility and focused innovation in a competitive market[2][4]. While there is another entity known as The Friday Group, a consulting firm founded in 1989 by Stormy Friday that specializes in facilities management consulting worldwide, this is distinct from FRIDAY, the tech startup focused on hourly workforce software solutions[1]. Overall, FRIDAY stands out in business and technology news as a boutique but impactful player, leveraging technology to empower small businesses by transforming complex, time-consuming human capital processes into seamless digital workflows. Their Brooklyn headquarters and targeted market approach position them as a nimble innovator in workforce management software for the hourly economy[2][4].