- Trump announced a tentative deal on Tuesday night, just before 50% tariffs were to hit.
- LeBlanc met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington on Wednesday, then returned to Ottawa for a cabinet meeting.
- Carney asked premiers to return U.S. booze to shelves, with some premiers expressing willingness pending a final deal.
- LeBlanc heads back to Washington on Thursday for further talks with Greer as the tariff pause deadline approaches.
- Trump paused tariffs until 12:01 a.m. on Saturday while the two sides try to close a deal.
- Negotiations are ongoing regarding the amount of tariff relief Canada will receive.
- Canada is hoping to trade concessions on a long list of U.S. demands for reduced tariffs under Section 232.
As the deadline for tariff relief approaches, Canada's Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is set to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington. The negotiations are critical, with President Trump having paused new tariffs until Saturday, while both sides seek a tentative deal.
LeBlanc's office confirmed that he will meet with Greer at 12:15 EDT, following a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Carney. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is also in Washington for discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on continental security and global priorities.
The negotiations are complex, with Trump demanding concessions from Canada, including the lifting of provincial bans on U.S. alcohol and changes to procurement policies. “We have more work to do,” LeBlanc stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the discussions.
The stakes are high, as Trump had threatened to impose 50% tariffs on US$20 billion worth of goods. The Globe and Mail reported that Canada hopes to negotiate concessions on U.S. demands in exchange for reduced tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum.
As the clock ticks down, provincial premiers express optimism about the potential deal, but crucial details remain unresolved, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
“LeBlanc and chief negotiator Janice Charette will meet U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at 12:15 EDT Thursday, while Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also heads to Washington to see Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The tariff pause expires at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, and key details like the amount of tariff relief remain unresolved.”
Global News
The Globe and Mail
