The pandemic has reinforced protectionist arguments by highlighting how global supply chains can deprive people of essential medical protection and disrupt food supplies, as well as threaten jobs.

Freeland refused Friday to discuss the details of Canada's ongoing talks with the U.S. beyond describing them as "very, very cordial" and "very constructive."

While the mockery that this U.S. plan has engendered is understandable, the stern denunciations from some of the political echelon have been a bit much, Matthew Fisher says.