It took 14 months, but Canada and the United States have finally reached a deal to keep Canada in a free trade pact with the U-S and Mexico.

The agreement comes after weeks of critical-stage talks involving Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s U-S Ambassador David MacNaughton and U-S Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

In a joint statement issued last night, Freeland and Lighthizer say the renegotiated deal will result in freer markets and fairer trade.

There’s word it gives U-S farmers greater access to the Canadian dairy market, but keeps a dispute-resolution process the U-S opposed.

The newly named U-S-M-C-A replaces the 24-year-old NAFTA, which President Donald Trump had called a job-killing disaster.

More information about the deal is expected to be released later today.

(The Canadian Press)