Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. Trade Representative are working on presenting a potential trade deal to President Donald Trump by Monday. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the aim is to present the joint proposal to Trump before the looming tariff deadline, allowing him time to make a final decision before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect on August 19.
LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, marking their third face-to-face meeting in three weeks. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, was not followed by comments from LeBlanc or Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette. LeBlanc later mentioned on social media that discussions are ongoing and that they will continue to engage in negotiations.
In addition to seeking to prevent new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are also looking for relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos. Canada hopes that ongoing trade talks will lead to an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration declined to renew the deal in July.
The U.S. has cited various trade issues, including Canadian retaliations against U.S. trade policies and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products, as reasons for imposing tariffs. The new tariffs would affect approximately five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S. and cover a range of goods from alcohol to sports equipment.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada being in a strong negotiating position with the White House. She raised concerns about the lack of progress in securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration and urged accountability from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also called on Carney to prioritize getting a good deal for Canadians in trade negotiations, including zero tariffs on softwood lumber and relief from sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum.