Medtech Canada, the national association representing the country’s medical technology sector, has submitted its recommendations to Global Affairs Canada for the upcoming 2026 joint review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Submitted on Wednesday, it refers to the vital role of medical technology in North America’s health and life sciences ecosystem and urges Nicole DeKort, President and CEO of Medtech Canada, said the association wants the government to strengthen open, rules-based trade while updating provisions for modern supply chains and health security challenges.
She emphasized that CUSMA has allowed medical devices and health technologies to move across borders efficiently.
Key recommendations include preserving duty-free access for medical devices and health technologies. DeKort says this would expand Canada’s inclusion in Chapter 13 on Government Procurement, and ensure transparent access for medtech innovators.
Medtech Canada specifically called out Ontario’s Procurement Restriction Policy, which limits hospital procurement opportunities for Canadian subsidiaries of U.S. companies with fewer than 250 employees.
“We shouldn’t risk the possibility of retaliation or tariffs from the U.S. on Canadian medtech companies, as many Canadian companies are highly dependent on the U.S. market for their success,” said DeKort.
The submission also urges regulatory alignment and recognition and recommends trilateral frameworks to enhance emergency coordination and supply chain resilience.
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MedTech continues to press provinces for tariff retaliation
Additionally, Medtech Canada asked the Competitiveness Committee under Chapter 26 to prioritize strategic sectors such as life sciences and critical minerals, which are essential to North American innovation and economic security.
DeKort noted Ontario’s restrictive policies limit patient and clinician access to important medical innovations and also threaten Canadian jobs. She added that these measures could complicate upcoming CUSMA negotiations and undermine broader trade discussions.
Furthermore, Medtech Canada continues to press provinces that have imposed retaliatory measures against the U.S. to exempt medical technologies. Some provinces still maintain restrictions, with Ontario presenting the most significant barriers.
In addition to trade-related advocacy, Medtech Canada said it stands ready to work with governments to support sector growth. The association emphasized that a thriving medtech industry delivers cutting-edge solutions to patients across Canada and the continent.
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