Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and his American counterpart are working on presenting a potential trade deal to U.S. President Donald Trump by Monday, according to sources familiar with the matter. The aim is to deliver a joint proposal to Trump before the upcoming tariff deadline, allowing him time to decide before new 50 per cent levies on numerous Canadian imports are set to be imposed 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, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, responded to reporters’ questions. LeBlanc later mentioned on X that discussions are ongoing, and both he and Charette will continue engaging in negotiations.
In addition to discouraging new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Canada is 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.
The U.S. has raised various trade concerns, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies, such as removing U.S. alcohol from provincial stores, and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products. The new tariffs will impact approximately five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S., covering a range of goods from alcohol to sporting equipment.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a strong position with the White House. She expressed concerns over Prime Minister Mark Carney’s tenure, suggesting he has yet to secure a trade agreement with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Carney to demonstrate determination in trade negotiations, advocating for a beneficial deal that includes zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, tariff-free auto agreements, and exemptions to Buy America regulations on infrastructure projects.
The ongoing efforts of Canada-U.S. trade representatives to pitch a trade deal to President Trump ahead of the tariff deadline have sparked anticipation among stakeholders on both sides of the border.
