Canada’s Minister of Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, and his American counterpart are working on presenting a potential trade agreement to U.S. President Donald Trump before the upcoming tariff deadline. The joint proposal is expected to be ready at least a day before the deadline, giving Trump time to make a decision before new 50% tariffs on numerous Canadian imports are set to come into effect on August 19.

LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, responded to reporters’ inquiries. LeBlanc later confirmed ongoing discussions and reiterated their commitment to engaging in negotiations.

In addition to persuading the U.S. to refrain from imposing new tariffs, LeBlanc and Charette are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Canada is also hopeful that the trade talks will lead to an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which was not renewed by the Trump administration in July.

The U.S. administration cited various trade issues, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies such as removing U.S. alcohol from provincial stores and alleged discrimination against American motor vehicles and dairy products when announcing the upcoming tariffs. The targeted goods, which include alcohol, hockey sticks, and cement, make up about five percent of Canadian exports to the U.S.

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength with the White House. She raised concerns about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s tenure and the lack of progress in securing a trade agreement with the Trump administration. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre urged Carney to prioritize zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules on infrastructure projects.

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