Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to demonstrate more resolve in the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. In a communication shared with the media, Poilievre and Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar criticized Ottawa for acceding to several demands from the U.S. over the past year.
The duo highlighted actions such as revoking the digital service tax, eliminating Canada’s counter-tariffs, and involving the U.S. in an agreement to share toll revenue from the newly operational Gordie Howe International Bridge. They disputed Carney’s stance that no deal is preferable to a bad deal, pointing out job losses in Canadian manufacturing hubs reliant on cross-border supply chains.
Poilievre admonished Carney for yielding to American demands without reciprocal benefits, leading to increased tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. He advocated for a comprehensive deal including tariff exemptions on softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America regulations.
As a fresh round of 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods looms, trade discussions between the two nations have intensified. The Conservatives reiterated their proposal to fortify Canada’s bargaining power by establishing a critical minerals reserve accessible to nations offering tariff-free market access.
While both Canada and Mexico expressed interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) for 16 more years, the U.S. opted for annual reviews instead. Dairy farmers in Canada urged the government to safeguard the supply management system, resisting concessions in trade deliberations.
In response to U.S. demands, Canada is reportedly contemplating lifting bans on American alcohol sales and retaliatory tariffs on U.S. automotive imports. In return, Canada is seeking the withdrawal of new tariffs, relief from sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, and a commitment to resume CUSMA discussions in the fall.