A Windsor-Essex billionaire businessman has chimed in about upcoming talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Barry Zekelman, the CEO of Zekelman industries, isn't overly concerned about demands outlined by the United States in advance of the negotiations.
The U.S. says it wants more access for its agriculture, telecommunications and construction industries while maintaining some 'buy American' exemptions.
"It's normal to set the bar high," says Zekelman. "I think we have to be cautious at what we're looking at and what the US wants. And I'm sure we also, Canada, should go in with our points. I'm sure there's points we have that are going be contentious or rather aggressive, or perceived aggressive, from a U.S. standpoint."
But Zekelman also believes it's wrong to keep Mexico on the same playing field in the upcoming talks. "You can't treat Mexico and Canada the same way in a negotiation. These are three very different countries when you include Mexico. If you put the US and Canada together we're very much alike."
Zekelman also agrees that NAFTA should be tuned up on a regular basis, much like you'd change the oil in your car.
And he's confident that a 'fair deal' can be worked out between Canada and the United States.
Zekelman Industries is the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America with divisions including Atlas Tube.