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With just days remaining before U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports are set to take effect, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear that Canada will not accept a trade agreement at any cost.
Following an emergency summit with provincial and territorial leaders, Mr. Carney stated that reaching a deal with President Trump remains unlikely, citing the complexity and volatility of the ongoing negotiations. “We’ll agree to a deal if it’s in the best interest of Canadians,” Carney said in English. He later emphasized in French, “It’s not our objective to have an agreement at any cost.”
The trade standoff comes after President Trump threatened to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian exports, effective August 1, in addition to existing tariffs—50% on steel and aluminum and 25% on cars excluding U.S.-made parts.
Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s lead negotiator, will remain in Washington throughout the week in a final attempt to reach a resolution.
Despite earlier optimism, Mr. Carney acknowledged that Trump’s unpredictable negotiation style has complicated talks. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Quebec Premier François Legault expressed their frustrations with Trump’s shifting positions. “You talk to him one day, and the next he’s announcing a 35% tariff on TV,” said Ford.
Legault added, “You almost have to ask Donald Trump what we can get—and I’m not sure he even knows what he wants.”
Meanwhile, provinces are turning toward diversifying trade partnerships, increasing domestic collaboration, and investing in infrastructure projects to cushion the impact of American protectionism.
Tensions spiked further after British Columbia Premier David Eby criticized U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who had labeled Canada as “mean and nasty” over trade policies such as bans on U.S. liquor and wine.
“If standing up for our economy and our jobs makes us ‘mean and nasty,’ then I think most Canadians would be proud to wear that label,” Eby replied.
As the deadline approaches, the possibility of walking away from a deal grows more real—but Carney insists that Canada will prioritize fairness and sovereignty above rushed agreements.
