The prime minister is scheduled to make a visit to the White House on Tuesday for a face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This meeting comes as discussions about the 51st state proposition and the impact of tariffs on various Canadian industries continue.
The representative for Mark Carney involved in the trade negotiations expressed optimism regarding the ongoing talks and hopes for a resolution before the review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) next year.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc mentioned on Thursday that while he remains hopeful, only time will reveal the outcome of the negotiations.
Despite surpassing a trade deal deadline more than six months ago, no agreement has been reached between Canada and the U.S. Carney complied with Trump’s request to retract a tax on major U.S. technology companies and withdrew retaliatory tariffs in an effort to move the discussions forward.
However, a trade deal is yet to materialize, as Trump continues to aggressively pursue tariffs against several global entities.
Dominic LeBlanc, responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, informs a Senate committee about ongoing discussions on U.S. sectoral tariffs on Canadian goods and emphasizes that there have been no indications of incorporating these talks in the upcoming CUSMA review.
During discussions with military leaders, the prime minister once again broached the idea of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state. Additionally, he imposed new tariffs on softwood lumber producers, affecting shipments of lumber, timber, kitchen cabinets, and other furniture into the U.S.
These lumber tariffs add to the challenges faced by Canadian producers, who are already dealing with American countervailing and anti-dumping duties.
As the negotiation timeline extends without a resolution, opposition parties are intensifying pressure for a successful outcome.
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney, claiming that the promised agreement with the U.S. by July 21 has not materialized, calling it a significant disappointment.
Carney, who initially aimed for a comprehensive trade and security pact with the U.S., has adjusted his strategy over time to focus on smaller deals targeting industries such as metals, automobiles, and lumber to alleviate the impact of Trump’s tariffs.