Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urges Prime Minister Mark Carney to demonstrate strength in trade talks with the United States. In a letter to Carney, Poilievre and Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar expressed concerns over Ottawa’s concessions to American demands over the past year. They highlighted actions such as abandoning the digital service tax, eliminating Canada’s counter-tariffs, and involving the U.S. in sharing net toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Poilievre and Majumdar criticized Carney’s approach of prioritizing no deal over a bad deal, pointing out the negative impact on Canadian manufacturing cities dependent on cross-border supply chains. They emphasized the detrimental effects of American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.
The Conservatives advocate for a favorable agreement that includes zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules on government infrastructure projects.
As a new round of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods looms, trade negotiations have intensified. The Conservatives propose enhancing Canada’s bargaining power by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals, accessible to countries offering tariff-free market access.
While Canada and Mexico seek to extend the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the U.S. has chosen annual reviews instead. Dairy Farmers of Canada urged Carney not to compromise on the supply management system protecting Canadian dairy amid U.S. pressure for increased market access for American dairy farmers.
Efforts are underway to address U.S. demands by potentially lifting bans on American alcohol sales and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. autos. Canada seeks relief from new tariffs and sectoral tariffs, along with a commitment to resume CUSMA talks in the autumn.