Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his American counterpart are working to present a potential trade deal to U.S. President Donald Trump before the upcoming tariff deadline. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the goal is to deliver the joint proposal to Trump at least a day before the deadline to impose new tariffs on numerous Canadian imports on August 19.
LeBlanc recently held a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, marking their third face-to-face meeting in three weeks. Following the meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, responded to reporters’ inquiries.
In addition to discouraging the imposition of new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. They are also hopeful for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) following the Trump administration’s decision not to renew the deal in July.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the need for Canada to negotiate from a position of strength when dealing with the White House. She also expressed concerns over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s tenure, highlighting the importance of securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed these sentiments, urging Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the elimination of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules on infrastructure projects.
