NATIONAL STORIES
Clock Ticks Toward Midnight Tariffs as Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Reach Critical Stage
Canada-U.S. trade talks continue in Washington as a deadline looms for $28 billion in proposed American tariffs affecting wine, honey, and other key goods.
Uncertainty Ahead of Wednesday Tariff Deadline
High-stakes trade negotiations in Washington ended on Monday without a deal, leaving Canadian industries facing a midnight deadline on Wednesday before a new round of American levies takes effect. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that “our job is not yet done” as he departed a nearly two-hour meeting at the U.S. Commerce Department alongside chief trade negotiator Janice Charette, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
$28 Billion at Stake Across Multiple Sectors
The potential tariffs stem from a July 20 executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which threatens 50 per cent levies on roughly $28 billion worth of Canadian products, including wine, honey, cement, and hockey sticks. The Canadian Beekeepers Federation warned on Monday that the measures could cause domestic prices to crash and push farms toward bankruptcy, noting that up to 60 per cent of Canadian honey exports are bound for the American market.
The upcoming U.S. tariffs were introduced in response to existing Canadian trade friction points, including provincial bans on American alcohol, the supply-managed dairy sector, and quotas on certain U.S. vehicles. In response, Dairy Farmers of Canada cautioned against making dairy concessions, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford indicated a willingness to trade alcohol concessions for relief on hard-hit sectors like steel, aluminum, and lumber.
Federal Strategy and Cross-Party Support
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed plans to speak directly with President Trump before Wednesday, stating that the federal government possesses a plan to cover all eventualities if the levies proceed. Carney noted he would highlight a recent $50-billion clean energy partnership between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador during the call. Domestically, Conservative critic Shuvaloy Majumdar backed the national effort, describing the proposed tariffs as unjustified and illegal while calling for a strong result at the negotiating table.