Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada's chief negotiator Janice Charette are scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington this morning. This meeting comes as the latest deadline for implementing new tariffs approaches rapidly.
LeBlanc's office has confirmed that the meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. The urgency is underscored by U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threats to impose tariffs on $28 billion worth of Canadian goods. These tariffs are set to take effect just after midnight, unless a trade agreement can be finalized before then.
In July, President Trump announced a plan to levy a new 50 percent tariff on various Canadian goods, citing Canada’s restrictions on alcohol imports, auto tariffs, and limitations on tariff-free access for U.S. dairy products as the rationale behind these punitive measures. Initially slated to go into effect just after midnight Wednesday, the deadline was extended to Saturday, providing some additional time for negotiators to finalize the agreement.
Throughout this month, LeBlanc and Charette have engaged in multiple discussions with Greer to solidify a trade agreement. During a press briefing on Thursday, LeBlanc indicated that both parties are “very close” to reaching a consensus, while remaining tight-lipped about the specifics of the proposed agreement.
The anticipated deal is expected to tackle several contentious issues, including the U.S. tariffs imposed on steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Furthermore, it aims to address U.S. grievances regarding limited access for American dairy products in Canada, alongside Canada's retaliatory tariffs on vehicles and the existing provincial restrictions on U.S. alcohol imports.
LeBlanc emphasized that Canadians expect a deal that serves the economic interests of both Canada and its workforce. Following a meeting with Greer, he remarked, “Canadians expect us to get a deal that’s in the economic interest of Canada and Canadian workers.”
Moreover, Canada’s provincial leaders have been informed by Prime Minister Mark Carney about the negotiations. Reportedly, Carney suggested that U.S. alcohol products be reinstated on store shelves as part of the agreement. Many premiers expressed their willingness to consider lifting their provincial bans on these products.
As of now, Ontario Premier Doug Ford has not provided any public commentary regarding the latest proposal. In contrast, Quebec Premier Christine Frechette shared that she is deliberating the implications of the agreement for her province during a call with Carney.
Unlike other tariffs that have been threatened, the duties currently under consideration would specifically impact goods that are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). A wide range of goods, from hockey sticks and honey to concrete and plywood, could be subject to these potential tariffs.
