OTTAWA – Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer engaged in discussions on Sunday, just days before a significant tariff threat by the American president. This meeting comes amid escalating trade tensions and negotiations surrounding new tariffs that could significantly impact various goods, including cement and hockey sticks.
LeBlanc, accompanied by Canada’s chief trade negotiator Janice Charette, traveled to Washington, D.C. over the weekend for a virtual one-hour meeting. According to a spokesperson for LeBlanc, the discussions were described as “constructive” and provided an opportunity for both parties to review the progress made by their respective negotiating teams.
Recent developments in the trade discussions have accelerated since U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 19 imposing a 50 percent tariff on a range of goods. The U.S. administration stated that these new tariffs are a response to Canada's provincial bans on American liquor, the supply-managed dairy system, and vehicle quotas affecting imports from the U.S.
LeBlanc’s office emphasized the importance of the meeting, highlighting how it followed detailed technical discussions between Charette and her American counterpart. Gabriel Brunet, another spokesperson for LeBlanc, mentioned the goal of reaching a comprehensive deal that would benefit businesses, workers, farmers, and families on both sides of the border.
This latest meeting between LeBlanc and Greer is noted as the fifth encounter since the tariff threat emerged, with the virtual format adopted due to Greer’s birthday. Greer commented on Friday that while discussions have been productive, Canada needs to eliminate its retaliatory measures in order to avert the planned new tariffs.
Trade relations between the two nations have faced ongoing challenges, with significant issues persisting for decades. In reaction to Trump’s earlier tariffs in early 2025, several Canadian provinces and territories removed American alcohol from their store shelves. While Alberta and Saskatchewan have since reversed their bans, U.S. negotiators continue to advocate for the rest of the country to follow suit.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who initially supported the alcohol ban, mentioned on Friday his willingness to consider the sale of U.S. liquor again if it forms part of a broader agreement that protects Canadian sectors currently facing tariffs.
During a briefing on Friday, LeBlanc updated provincial and territorial trade ministers as well as the prime minister’s advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations about the ongoing talks. Following this meeting, Quebec Economy Minister Bernard Drainville expressed concerns that an agreement still seems distant from being reached. Additionally, Erin O’Toole, a committee member, revealed that the Canadian government is preparing a contingency response to the potential 50 percent tariffs scheduled to take effect on Wednesday.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asserted that there’s “no reason” for Prime Minister Mark Carney not to secure an advantageous deal by the upcoming deadline, recalling Carney’s commitment during the last election to negotiate favorably with Trump. Poilievre emphasized the need to avoid making concessions without reciprocal benefits, stating, “We must stand up and fight for our country.”
This news report provides an insight into the critical developments in Canada-U.S. trade relations as both nations strive for a resolution amidst rising tensions and impending tariffs.
