Global Connections · Term 3

Major Trade Agreements: CUSMA

Investigating the CUSMA (USMCA) agreement and other significant trade deals that shape the Canadian economy and international relations.

About This Topic

Canada is a trading nation, and our prosperity depends on our connections to the rest of the world. This topic investigates major trade agreements like CUSMA (the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) and how they influence our economy. Students learn about tariffs, 'free trade,' and why the United States remains our most important trading partner.

This unit also explores the pros and cons of global trade, including its impact on Canadian jobs and the price of goods. This topic comes alive when students can engage in a 'trade simulation' where they must negotiate deals and manage the impact of tariffs on their fictional businesses, fostering a practical understanding of international economics.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Trade Game

Divide the class into 'countries' with different resources and needs. They must negotiate trade deals while dealing with 'event cards' like new tariffs or a global pandemic that disrupts supply chains.

⏱ 60 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The CUSMA Debate

Pairs research one specific part of the CUSMA agreement (e.g., dairy rules or auto parts). They discuss whether this rule is 'fair' to Canada and share their thoughts with the class.

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Made in Canada?

Display common household items. Students rotate and guess where each was made and what trade agreement might have helped it get to Canada. They check their guesses against the labels.

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Free trade means everything is cheaper and better for everyone.

What to Teach Instead

While it lowers prices for consumers, it can also lead to job losses in certain industries (like manufacturing). Using 'winners and losers' case studies helps students see the complexity of trade deals.

Common Misconception

Canada only trades with the United States.

What to Teach Instead

While the US is our biggest partner, we have major agreements with Europe (CETA) and Pacific nations (CPTPP). Mapping Canada's global trade routes helps students see our wider connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CUSMA (USMCA)?

It is the trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that replaced NAFTA. It sets the rules for how goods and services are traded between the three countries.

Why is the United States Canada's most important trading partner?

Due to our shared border, similar cultures, and integrated supply chains, it is much easier and cheaper for Canada to trade with the US than with any other country.

What are tariffs and how do they affect Canadians?

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods. They make foreign products more expensive, which can protect Canadian businesses but also raises prices for Canadian consumers.

How can active learning help students understand trade agreements?

International trade can feel abstract and distant. Active learning through simulations and 'label audits' makes the global economy tangible. By negotiating their own 'deals,' students experience the pressure of balancing national interests with the benefits of cooperation. These strategies help them understand that trade isn't just about money, it's about relationships, policy, and geographic proximity.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU