Can a CUSMA trader work permit be used for someone who is not personally trading goods?

Generally, no — a CUSMA trader work permit is meant for someone who is substantially and personally involved in ongoing trade, principally between Canada and their home country, and it is not designed for someone who lacks a real, personal trading role. Being connected to a trading business in some general sense, without actually carrying out that trading activity personally, is unlikely to satisfy this category's requirements.

The detail people often get wrong is assuming that any meaningful connection to an international trading company is enough — a passive investor who has put money into a trading business but does not personally direct or carry out the trade, or an employee whose duties do not actually involve trading, generally would not fit this category, even if the employer's overall business does substantial cross-border trade. IRCC looks at what the individual actually does day to day, not just what the employer's business involves generally. Someone in that kind of supporting or investment role might fit a different category, such as the CUSMA investor category, depending on their actual circumstances. Because the line between a genuine personal trading role and a more passive connection to trade can be fact-specific, anyone unsure whether their role fits should discuss it with an immigration lawyer before applying.