Scotiabank CEO Brian Porter is calling for an updated North American trade agreement that includes provisions on services, electronic commerce and intellectual property.
Speaking during the bank's annual shareholder meeting, Porter said there must be "positive public dialogue" on the benefits of free trade as policy makers look to renegotiate the terms of NAFTA.
The North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico has been in force since early 1994 and some observers have said it doesn't adequately address newer technologies.
Porter says Scotiabank supports the free movement of goods and services throughout the continent.
He says business leaders and politicians must address the concerns of people who feel that their livelihoods have been threatened by open markets.
For example, Porter says there should be training opportunities to help displaced workers get back into the workforce.