Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his American counterpart are working on a joint proposal to potentially present to President Donald Trump before his upcoming tariff deadline. The aim is to offer Trump a path towards a trade deal, with hopes of finalizing the proposal a day before the tariff deadline on August 19.
LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, LeBlanc mentioned that discussions are ongoing, indicating continued engagement in negotiations.
In addition to preventing new tariffs, the officials are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. They are also looking to extend the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration declined to renew it in July.
The proposed tariffs, set to affect about five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S., cover a range of goods from alcohol to sports equipment. The U.S. has raised concerns about Canadian trade policies, including retaliatory measures against U.S. alcohol and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength with the U.S. She called for accountability from Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging him to deliver on trade promises made to Canadians. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also urged Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemptions to Buy America rules in trade negotiations.