The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that Canada and Mexico are working together behind the scenes to present a united front against U.S. President Donald Trump's protectionist North American free-trade agreement demands. The Globe's Adrian Morrow writes that the two sides hold regular back channel discussions to compare notes on the U.S. positions and keep one another up to speed on their strategies. As the fifth round of talks opens this week in Mexico City, the pact's junior partners have never been more aligned. They plan to hold firm against U.S. demands on autos, procurement and a sunset clause, while seeking quick agreement on less contentious issues. Mexican former deputy foreign minister Andres Rozental says: "My impression is that there has been a fair amount of consultation and co-ordinated strategy developing between Canada and Mexico. And I think that's positive." Ottawa, however, is playing something of a double game. Even as it extensively co-ordinates its efforts with Mexico, sources say Canada would agree to a two-way negotiation with the United States if NAFTA talks break down. Under exactly which circumstances Canada would ditch Mexico are unclear.