Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his American counterpart are working on presenting a potential trade deal to U.S. President Donald Trump before his upcoming tariff deadline. The aim is to offer the proposal at least a day before the deadline, giving Trump time to make a decision before new tariffs on hundreds of Canadian imports take effect on August 19.
LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for the third time in as many weeks. They are focusing on persuading the U.S. not to impose additional tariffs and seeking relief from existing sectoral tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos. Additionally, they are hoping for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which the Trump administration declined to renew in July.
Conservative MPs, including Michelle Rempel Garner and Pierre Poilievre, have emphasized the importance of securing a strong trade agreement with the U.S. Rempel Garner pointed out the need for Canada to negotiate from a position of strength, while Poilievre urged Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules.
The ongoing discussions between Canadian and American officials aim to navigate trade tensions and secure a favorable agreement for both countries.