Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, and his American counterpart are working towards presenting a potential trade deal to U.S. President Donald Trump by Monday, sources briefed on the matter revealed to CBC News. The aim is to have the joint proposal ready for Trump’s consideration a day before the upcoming tariff deadline to allow ample time for a final decision before new 50% levies on numerous Canadian imports come into effect on August 19.
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to provide public statements, disclosed that efforts are underway to extend discussions on the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). LeBlanc recently held a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, marking their third face-to-face encounter in as many weeks. Following the meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, answered questions from reporters, with the meeting lasting approximately an hour.
In addition to discouraging the imposition of new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are seeking relief from the sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. The ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations are also aimed at securing an extension of the CUSMA after the Trump administration declined to renew the agreement in July.
Conservative Member of Parliament Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance for Canada to negotiate from a position of strength with the White House. Rempel Garner criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for not securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration despite being in office for over a year. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged Carney to demonstrate “backbone” in the trade talks, advocating for a favorable deal that includes 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 at all government levels.