1323 ET - There is a divide between Canada and the U.S. that may make future negotiations over the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade pact tough, says Steve Verheul, former chief trade negotiator for Canada. Speaking during a briefing organized by Bank of Montreal, Verheul says the two countries are increasingly in markets that move them further apart. Canada is likely to redouble efforts to diversify trading relationship, and there could be action on procurement and possible defense and energy-related issues, says the principal at public affairs agency GT. He doubts Canada will use energy or defense in any kind of retaliation against the U.S., but it will aggressively seek opportunities with other countries on areas like energy and critical minerals.