Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. trade representative are working on presenting a potential trade deal to President Donald Trump before his upcoming tariff deadline. The joint proposal aims to give Trump time to make a decision before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect. The sources, who were briefed on the matter, shared this information with CBC News on the condition of anonymity.
LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently met in Washington for the third time in three weeks. The purpose of their discussions is to prevent new tariffs and seek relief from sectoral tariffs imposed on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos by the U.S. government.
In addition to these efforts, Canada hopes to extend the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration chose not to renew the deal in July. LeBlanc and his team are actively engaging in negotiations to reach a favorable outcome.
The U.S. administration highlighted several trade concerns when announcing the Aug. 19 tariffs, including Canada’s actions against U.S. alcohol sales and alleged discrimination in the automotive and dairy sectors. The new tariffs would impact about five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S., covering a range of goods from alcohol to sports equipment.
Conservative MPs are urging Canada to secure a strong position in negotiations with the White House. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized the importance of achieving zero tariffs on softwood lumber, ending sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, establishing a tariff-free auto pact, and obtaining full exemption from Buy America rules for infrastructure projects across all government levels. Poilievre called on Trade Minister Mark Carney to deliver a beneficial trade agreement for Canadians without compromising on key issues.
The developments in the Canada-U.S. trade discussions underscore the importance of reaching a mutually beneficial agreement that addresses trade concerns and benefits both countries.