Canada-U.S. trade minister back in Washington ahead of August 19 tariff deadline
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is in Washington for high-level negotiations as the U.S. prepares 50% tariffs on Canadian goods including alcohol, hockey sticks, and cement.
Sources · local media reports
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canada's trade minister is back in Washington to negotiate ahead of an August 19 deadline when the U.S. plans to impose 50 per cent tariffs on roughly five per cent of Canadian exports.
Dominic LeBlanc flew in Tuesday morning for meetings with American senators and key industry leaders, according to a senior government official. He's also expected to meet with Canada's negotiating team in the capital, including chief trade negotiator Janice Charette.
The U.S. Trade Representative's office says the targeted goods—ranging from alcohol to hockey sticks to cement—are a tailored response to Canadian trade actions affecting American alcohol, dairy and auto sectors. The escalating trade friction comes months after HighOnCity reported Alberta liquor businesses bracing for impact from the same tariff threat.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said last month he'd spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump and that the two leaders agreed to ramp up trade discussions. LeBlanc met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington last week for what LeBlanc called "comprehensive" discussions.
Carney has not ruled out retaliation if the additional tariffs take effect, but said last week he doesn't see the "value" in using Canadian energy exports as a bargaining chip. Canada is also pushing for relief on existing sectoral tariffs targeting steel, aluminum, lumber and autos, as well as movement toward a renewed North American free trade agreement.
Two major unions—the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers—wrote to Greer last week calling for the opportunity to "find a better path forward," asking the administration to hold off on the 50 per cent levies.
If negotiations succeed before August 19, would the tariffs be cancelled entirely or reduced?
What specific Canadian trade actions triggered this U.S. response beyond the provincial alcohol bans?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
What percentage tariff is the U.S. planning to impose?
50 per cent on roughly five per cent of Canadian exports.
What Canadian goods are targeted by the U.S. tariffs?
The targeted goods include alcohol, hockey sticks, and cement, among others.
