Toronto, Ontario -- In this week's Tuesday Ticker, Canadian, American and Mexican officials discuss the future of the USMCA in the run-up to a scheduled renegotiation, AutoCanada turns to big tech to fill out its board.
International Intrigue
Government officials across North America have begun setting expectations for the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, a trade pact that governs cross-border commerce among all three countries.
The CUSMA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement in 2020 after the original deal, in place since 1994, was renegotiated at the insistence of U.S. president Donald Trump, then in his first term. The updated agreement tightened rules for the auto sector, including higher North American content requirements and new labour provisions, but also included a built-in review clause requiring the three countries to assess the deal by July 1, 2026.
Since its signing, Trump has repeatedly criticized the agreement he helped create and has signaled support for tariffs and other trade measures that sit outside its framework, raising doubts about how strictly the United States would adhere to its terms under renewed political pressure. U.S. officials have also argued that the agreement “has not achieved all of our goals,” particularly around manufacturing and market access.
On Dec. 18, 2025, Canada said it would begin formal talks with the United States in January, with federal officials emphasizing the need to protect Canadian economic interests as the review approaches.
However the renegotiations pan out, the process will have enormous implications for OEMs manufacturing vehicles in Canada. Despite this, investors seem to view trade risks as real but not an immediate concern. Since mid-December, stock moves among automakers with Canadian assembly plants haven't trended in the same direction -- General Motors shares are up about a percent, Ford shares are down roughly two percent and Stellantis shares have fallen just over five percent, while Toyota shares have risen about two percent and Honda shares are down a little more than three percent.
Top financial mind enters AutoCanada's board
The chief financial officer of Grindr is joining AutoCanada’s board.
John North, who has been chief financial officer of Grindr since October 2025, is being added to AutoCanada’s board. Grindr is a publicly traded, location-based social networking platform primarily used by men seeking amorous liaisons with other men. In 2024, it generated about US$345 million, up about 33 percent from the previous year.
North has more than two decades of experience leading high-growth public companies, having served as both chief executive officer and chief financial officer. He most recently served as chief executive officer of Lazydays Holdings and previously held senior finance roles at Copart, Avis Budget Group and Lithia and Driveway. He also serves as a non-executive board member of XPEL, where he chairs the compensation committee and serves as a financial expert on the audit committee.
News of the recent appointments have been well-received by investors. AutoCanada shares have risen to $24.51 from $21.36 since the Dec. 15 announcement, an increase of about 15 percent.
