- Dominic LeBlanc will be in Washington again this week, as Ottawa seeks to avoid the imposition of punishing new tariffs on Aug. 19.
- LeBlanc will head to the U.S. capital for meetings along with Canada’s chief trade negotiator to the United States, Janice Charette, spokesperson Gabriel Brunet said in a Tuesday statement.
- Prime Minister said the two governments had after U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 20 that his administration would impose 50-per-cent tariffs on a wide range of Canadian goods.
- If the tariffs come into force, they would put a squeeze on Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia’s economies and largely spare the energy exporting economies of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
- Mr. Carney said his government was aiming to strike a comprehensive agreement that addresses all of the tariffs that Trump has imposed or threatened, including those on autos, steel, and aluminum.
- Mr. Carney said there was a depth to the talks that 'reflects the seriousness of the trade relationship and the breadth of the issues, so it creates an opportunity.'
- B.C. Premier David Eby said the province’s forestry workers and their families are 'under direct attack by the President, who has imposed draconian tariffs on our wood products.'
- The Premier said his government will insist that forestry sectors be covered in any final agreement with the U.S. and will support Ottawa’s efforts to strike a comprehensive trade deal.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is set to meet with U.S. officials in Washington this week, aiming to avert the imposition of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, which President Trump announced on July 20.1235
The proposed tariffs, effective August 19, could severely impact the economies of Ontario and Quebec, while Alberta and Saskatchewan may remain relatively unscathed due to their energy exports.4
At a recent press conference, B.C. Premier David Eby expressed concern for forestry workers, stating they are 'under direct attack by the President, who has imposed draconian tariffs on our wood products.'7
Eby emphasized the need for the forestry sector to be included in any final trade agreement with the U.S.
The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister and Governor Carney, is pursuing a comprehensive agreement to address all tariffs imposed or threatened by the Trump administration, including those on autos, steel, and aluminum.
Carney noted that the discussions reflect the seriousness of the trade relationship and the breadth of the issues, creating an opportunity for resolution.
“LeBlanc's meetings aim to address the potential impact of Trump's tariffs, which could severely affect Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia's economies. B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the need for forestry sectors to be included in any final agreement, highlighting the urgency of the negotiations.”
The Globe and Mail
