The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Canada should be ready for the possibility that the U.S. may use its withdrawal from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade deal as a negotiating tactic, according to a legal expert testifying at public hearings in Washington this week. The Globe's Steven Chase writes that Barry Appleton, a Toronto lawyer and co-director of the Center for International Law at New York Law School, is speaking before the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Wednesday as part of a review of the USMCA. "The mere suggestion of USMCA termination serves as an exceedingly potent, almost extortionary, bargaining chip," Mr. Appleton said. Brian Clow, who served as deputy chief of staff to former prime minister Justin Trudeau, said he is increasingly concerned that President Donald Trump will issue a withdrawal notice. A withdrawal notice from any country that is a signatory to the USMCA would trigger a six-month countdown to that member exiting the agreement. Mr. Chow expressed pessimism about how the mandated 2026 review of the USMCA will proceed. He stated that the U.S., under Mr. Trump, is seeking gains from renegotiation without any regard for benefits for Canada or Mexico.