Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, along with his American counterpart, are working towards presenting a potential trade agreement to U.S. President Donald Trump before an upcoming tariff deadline, as per sources familiar with the situation. The goal is to provide Trump with the proposal at least a day prior to the deadline, allowing him time to make a final decision before new tariffs on hundreds of Canadian imports take effect on August 19.
LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, marking their third in-person meeting in as many weeks. Following the meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, addressed reporters’ questions. LeBlanc later confirmed ongoing discussions, emphasizing their commitment to continuing negotiations.
In addition to seeking to prevent new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are also pushing for relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Furthermore, Canada hopes that the ongoing trade talks will lead to 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. recently announced upcoming tariffs, citing various trade issues including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies and alleged discrimination against U.S. products. These tariffs will affect approximately five percent of Canadian exports, covering a range of goods from alcohol to sporting equipment.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada being in a strong negotiating position with the White House. She also called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to fulfill his promise of securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre echoed these sentiments, urging Carney to stand firm in negotiations and secure favorable terms for Canada, including zero tariffs on softwood lumber and an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum.