US-Canada Trade Economic Equity Study

Invitation to Participate in a Study on US-Canada Trade Economic Equity

Research Overview

The United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement is a trilateral free trade agreement that came into effect in July of 2020. The agreement, which is a modernized version of NAFTA, builds upon hundreds of billions of dollars of annual trade among the three nations. The purpose of my research is to explore whether economic equity is present in these trade opportunities for business owners who identify as a women, minorities or other marginalized groups. I will pursue this by connecting with U.S. business owners who can highlight the various obstacles they face in trading with Canada. Additionally, I want to learn what incentivizes cross-border social responsibility and how to better encourage the practice.

My primary target population comprises small and medium sized businesses that are led by women, racial minorities or other members of traditionally marginalized groups. The latter category includes members of the LGBTQIA+ community or some religious groups that have frequently experienced discrimination. If you believe that you are a member of another marginalized group that is not on this list, please feel free to complete the survey.

Please note that the U.S. Census Bureau defines business ownership by a certain demographic as that demographic having 51 percent or more of the stock or equity in the business. Please click here to reference this information and understand the various categories that should define business ownership.

Please rest assure that your individual responses will be kept entirely confidential and that your participation will further my efforts to ensure equitable access for all businesses to trade opportunities under USMCA.

Virgil Parker

Virgil Parker

This project has received clearance from the University of Windsor’s Research Ethics Boards.