Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to display strength in the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. Poilievre and his Canada-U.S. relations critic, Shuvaloy Majumdar, expressed concern in a letter to Carney, noting that Ottawa has made concessions to several of Trump’s requests over the past year. Among these concessions were the elimination of the digital service tax, the removal of Canada’s counter-tariffs, and the inclusion of the United States in sharing net toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Poilievre and Majumdar challenged Carney’s stance that no deal is better than a bad deal by highlighting job losses in Canadian cities reliant on cross-border supply chains. They criticized Carney for yielding to American demands without receiving reciprocal benefits, resulting in increased tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.
Poilievre emphasized the need for a beneficial agreement for Canadians, advocating for zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemption from Buy America rules for infrastructure projects. He emphasized the importance of avoiding policies that lead to a decline in Canada’s economy and called for a stronger stance in negotiations.
As the deadline for a new round of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods approaches, trade discussions between the two nations have intensified. The Conservative Party reiterated its proposal to bolster Canada’s negotiating position by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals, accessible to countries offering tariff-free access to their markets.
While Canada and Mexico expressed interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) for 16 years, the United States opted for rolling annual reviews. Dairy Farmers of Canada urged the government not to compromise on the supply management system that protects Canadian dairy, citing multiple concessions made by Canada in the past.
Industry sources revealed that the Canadian government is preparing to address some U.S. demands, potentially lifting bans on American alcohol sales and considering changes in the automotive and dairy sectors in exchange for tariff relief. Canada seeks the elimination of new tariffs and sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, along with a commitment to resume CUSMA talks in the fall.