North America leaders defend free trade, resist isolationism

OTTAWA — The leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico pushed back Wednesday on calls for walling off their nations from free trade, arguing that more commerce with the outside world is inevitable and will deliver measurable benefits for their citizens.

President Obama’s meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto come at a time of growing isolationist sentiments, not only aimed at the three nations’ North American Free Trade Agreement.

Britain’s decision to exit the 28-member European Union has brought to the forefront concerns in many nations that the forces of globalization are having negative effects on their local economies and lifestyles.

The Canadian and Mexican leaders largely echoed Obama’s calls for staying focused on closer economic ties.

Ahead of the summit, Trudeau and Peña Nieto announced measures to reduce barriers during the Mexican leader’s state visit to Canada.