Alaska senators hear testimony backing USMCA continuation, citing Canada trade ties
February 23, 2026 | 2026 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
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The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Feb. 23 received testimony supporting SGR 25, a resolution expressing the Alaska Legislature's support for continuation and targeted modernization of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) during its 2026 review.
Sen. Scott Kawasaki, sponsor, said the scheduled 2026 review presents an opportunity to preserve economic benefits to Alaska and to pursue targeted modernization. "SGR 25 expresses support and continuation, for the modernization of The United States Mexico Canada... USMCA," Kawasaki told the committee, emphasizing Alaska's close ties with Canada.
Steven Myers, director of program management at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), testified in support and described economic links between Alaska and Canada: "In 2024, we saw Alaska imported more than $1,000,000,000 in goods from Canada," Myers said, and he added that Canadian‑related activity supports "more than 20,000 Alaska jobs." He argued that predictable trade rules encourage long‑term investment in energy, critical minerals, transportation infrastructure and Arctic logistics.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about why testimony emphasized Canada rather than Mexico; sponsor and staff responded that USMCA covers all three countries but Alaska's land border and supply chain integration with Canada make that relationship especially salient.
No committee vote was taken; the resolution was set aside for further consideration at a future meeting.
Sen. Scott Kawasaki, sponsor, said the scheduled 2026 review presents an opportunity to preserve economic benefits to Alaska and to pursue targeted modernization. "SGR 25 expresses support and continuation, for the modernization of The United States Mexico Canada... USMCA," Kawasaki told the committee, emphasizing Alaska's close ties with Canada.
Steven Myers, director of program management at the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), testified in support and described economic links between Alaska and Canada: "In 2024, we saw Alaska imported more than $1,000,000,000 in goods from Canada," Myers said, and he added that Canadian‑related activity supports "more than 20,000 Alaska jobs." He argued that predictable trade rules encourage long‑term investment in energy, critical minerals, transportation infrastructure and Arctic logistics.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about why testimony emphasized Canada rather than Mexico; sponsor and staff responded that USMCA covers all three countries but Alaska's land border and supply chain integration with Canada make that relationship especially salient.
No committee vote was taken; the resolution was set aside for further consideration at a future meeting.
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