Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to demonstrate strength in the ongoing trade negotiations with the United States. Poilievre and his Canada-U.S. relations critic, Shuvaloy Majumdar, expressed concerns in a letter to Carney, highlighting instances where Ottawa has acquiesced to various demands from the U.S. over the past year.
The letter pointed out specific concessions made by Canada, such as scrapping the digital service tax, eliminating counter-tariffs, and agreeing to share net toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Poilievre criticized Carney for what he perceives as a pattern of yielding to American demands without receiving reciprocal benefits, resulting in job losses in Canadian manufacturing hubs dependent on cross-border supply chains.
Poilievre emphasized the negative impact of American tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber industries, calling for a fair trade deal that includes zero tariffs on softwood lumber, removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemptions from Buy America regulations for infrastructure projects across all government levels.
As the deadline for new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods approaches, the Conservatives reiterated the importance of bolstering Canada’s negotiating position by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals. They also highlighted ongoing discussions surrounding the future of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with Canada and Mexico expressing interest in extending the agreement, while the U.S. has favored rolling annual reviews.
In a separate development, dairy farmers in Canada have raised concerns about potential concessions in trade talks, particularly regarding the supply management system that protects the Canadian dairy industry. Despite pressure, Carney reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the supply management system, as dairy industry representatives emphasized the need to avoid further concessions that could negatively impact their sector.
Amidst these negotiations, reports suggest that Canada is considering meeting certain U.S. demands, such as lifting bans on American alcohol sales, in exchange for tariff relief. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential changes in the dairy sector. In return, Canada is seeking the withdrawal of new tariffs and relief from existing sectoral tariffs, alongside a commitment to resume CUSMA talks in the upcoming months.