Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. trade representative are working on a joint proposal to present to President Donald Trump before an upcoming tariff deadline. The goal is to offer a potential trade deal, potentially giving Trump time to decide before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect. The sources speaking on this matter were not authorized to disclose this information publicly.
LeBlanc recently met with the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, LeBlanc mentioned that discussions are ongoing, and both parties will continue negotiations. The Canadian officials are seeking to prevent new tariffs and alleviate existing sectoral tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles.
Additionally, Canada hopes for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration declined to renew the deal in July. The proposed tariffs would impact about five percent of Canadian exports, covering various goods from alcohol to sports equipment.
Conservative politicians in Canada are urging for a strong stance in the negotiations with the U.S. government. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the need for Canada to secure a favorable trade agreement with the U.S., highlighting the importance of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s role in these discussions. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also called on Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs, and other trade-related exemptions for Canada.
The ongoing efforts between Canada and the U.S. aim to find a mutually beneficial trade resolution before the tariff deadline, addressing key trade concerns affecting both nations.