Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the American trade representative are working towards presenting a potential trade deal proposal to President Donald Trump by Monday, according to sources briefed on the matter. The aim is to deliver the joint proposal to Trump before the upcoming tariff deadline to give him ample time to make a final decision before the implementation of new 50% levies on numerous Canadian imports on August 19.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly, revealed that efforts are being made to extend the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement. LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, commented to reporters. LeBlanc later mentioned on social media 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 the sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Canada is also hopeful that the ongoing trade talks will lead to an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, which was not renewed by the Trump administration in July.
The U.S. had recently announced a number of trade grievances, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies by removing U.S. alcohol from provincial stores and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products. The new tariffs, set to cover about 5% of Canadian exports to the U.S., will impact various goods ranging from alcohol to sports equipment.
Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada securing a strong position in negotiations with the White House. Rempel Garner called for accountability from Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating that despite being in office for over a year, Carney has yet to secure a trade agreement with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also called on Carney to show determination in negotiations and secure beneficial terms for Canadians, including zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules on infrastructure projects.
The efforts to pitch a trade deal to President Trump are crucial in light of the impending tariff deadline and the potential impact on Canadian exports.