Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to exhibit more strength in the ongoing trade discussions with the United States. In a letter addressed to Carney and shared with the media, Poilievre and Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar expressed concern over Ottawa’s concessions to several demands made by the U.S. over the past year.
The duo highlighted actions such as abolishing the digital service tax, eliminating Canada’s counter-tariffs, and agreeing to share net toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. They disputed Carney’s notion that no deal is preferable to a bad deal, pointing to the negative impact on Canadian manufacturing jobs reliant on cross-border supply chains.
Poilievre criticized Carney for continually giving in to American demands without reciprocal benefits, resulting in increased tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. Poilievre emphasized the necessity for a favorable agreement for Canadians, including tariff-free softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America regulations for infrastructure projects across all government levels.
With impending 50% tariffs on Canadian goods set to take effect soon, trade negotiations between the two nations are intensifying. The Conservatives reiterated their call for Canada to enhance its bargaining position by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals, open to countries offering tariff-free access to their markets.
While Canada and Mexico have shown interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement for another 16-year term, the U.S. has opted for rolling annual reviews instead. In light of the U.S. citing Canada’s dairy supply management system as a trade barrier, Carney affirmed his government’s commitment to this system, despite pressure from groups like the Dairy Farmers of Canada urging against concessions in trade talks.
CBC News sources disclosed that Canada is contemplating meeting some U.S. demands, including lifting bans on American alcohol sales, in exchange for tariff relief. Additionally, Canada is considering ending retaliatory tariffs on U.S. autos and making adjustments in the dairy sector, aiming for a resolution that includes the removal of new tariffs, relief from sectoral tariffs, and a commitment to resume CUSMA discussions in the fall.
