In this timely discussion of the USMCA, our Canadian and Mexican trade experts will share their insights on the negotiation process and the provisions of the USMCA that will change the trade landscape for the USMCA Parties, businesses and legal advisors. The speakers will offer their Canadian and Mexican perspectives on the following topics:

• How did we get to the USMCA? How will preferential treatments accorded
  under the NAFTA change in the new agreement?
• Why is US free trade with Canada and Mexico?
• What does the USMCA accomplish and what challenges remain?
• What are the wins and losses for Canada and Mexico in the USMCA negotiations?

Darrel H. Pearson is a Partner of Bennett Jones LLP (Canada) where he heads the firm’s international trade and investment practice. Darrel has represented Canadian and international clients in more than 200 trade remedy matters involving goods exported to Canada from all over the world and has led some of the most important customs and trade remedy cases, including two cases heard by the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a qualified arbitrator and member of the Committee of Neutrals of the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), the London Court of International Trade (LCIA), and has been appointed to the NAFTA Chapter 19 Dispute Resolution Panel.

Francisco J. Cortina Velarde is a Partner of Chevez, Ruiz, Zamarripa y Cia in the Trade and Customs Area. His practice includes customs law, International Trade law, Free Trade Agreements and procedures under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Francisco has 25 years of experience in trade and customs. He founded the Customs Committee of the Mexican Bar Association, chaired the Customs Committee for the International Chamber of Commerce Mexico (ICC). He is a member of the American Bar Association where he is active in the Mexico, Customs and International Trade Committees and author of the book “Analysis and comments to the Mexican Customs Law”. Francisco currently is leading the opening of Chevez in Madrid, Spain.