Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, and his American counterpart are working on a joint proposal to present to President Donald Trump for a potential trade deal, sources revealed to CBC News. The aim is to provide the proposal to Trump before the looming tariff deadline to allow him ample 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 for the third time in three weeks. The meeting, which lasted about an hour, was not followed by public statements from LeBlanc or Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette. However, LeBlanc later confirmed ongoing discussions and engagement at the negotiation table.
In addition to discouraging new tariffs on Canadian goods, 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) after the Trump administration opted not to renew the deal in July.
The U.S. had cited various trade issues, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies and alleged discrimination against U.S. products. The new tariffs, set to cover around five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S., target goods ranging from alcohol to hockey sticks to cement.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength with the White House. She urged accountability from Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting the need for tangible results in trade negotiations with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also called on Carney to stand firm in negotiations and secure a favorable trade agreement that benefits Canadians.
The efforts to present a trade deal proposal to President Trump before the tariff deadline reflect the urgency and significance of ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S.
