Canada's chief trade negotiator warns U.S. tariffs on August 19 would be a 'cliff' for negotiations
Janice Charette told American counterparts Ottawa cannot control public reaction if White House imposes tariffs; risk of chain retaliation.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canada's top trade negotiator warned her American counterparts last week that if the White House imposes new tariffs on August 19, the move would represent a "cliff" that risks throwing negotiations with the U.S. into a deep chill.
According to five sources briefed on the discussions, Janice Charette delivered the message in a meeting last week with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Four of the sources said Charette cautioned the Americans about the public mood in Canada should the tariffs be imposed on August 19. She warned that Ottawa would not be able to rein in or control the public or premiers' reactions and that the federal government will have lost the room to negotiate with the Americans.
Three of the sources said Charette also told Greer that if the tariffs are imposed, Canadians would expect the government to retaliate, potentially provoking a chain of counterretaliation between the two countries.
The warning underscores escalating tensions in the trade relationship as the August 19 deadline approaches. The tariff dispute has already roiled markets and prompted Canadian provincial leaders to signal they would demand federal retaliation if the U.S. proceeds.
