Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to display more strength in the ongoing trade discussions with the United States. In a letter addressed to Carney and shared with the media, Poilievre and his Canada-U.S. relations critic, Shuvaloy Majumdar, expressed concerns over Ottawa’s recent compliance with several of Trump’s requests.
Among the concessions highlighted by the duo were the abandonment of the digital service tax, the removal of Canada’s counter-tariffs, and the inclusion of the United States in an agreement to share net toll revenue from the newly operational Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich.
Poilievre and Majumdar criticized Carney’s stance that no deal is preferable to a bad deal, pointing to job losses in Canadian cities heavily reliant on cross-border supply chains. The letter to Carney emphasized the perceived pattern of yielding to American demands without receiving equivalent benefits, leading to setbacks such as increased American tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Poilievre underscored the importance of securing a favorable deal for Canadians, advocating for measures like zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the elimination of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and complete exemption from Buy America regulations for infrastructure projects across all government levels.
As new 50 percent tariffs on various Canadian goods are scheduled to come into effect on August 19, trade negotiations between the two nations have intensified. The Conservative party reiterated its call to bolster Canada’s negotiating position by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals, accessible to countries offering tariff-free market access.
While Canada and Mexico have expressed interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) for another 16 years, the United States has opted for rolling annual reviews instead. The U.S. has raised concerns about Canada’s supply management system safeguarding its dairy industry, with demands for increased access for American dairy farmers to the Canadian market.
Carney affirmed his government’s commitment to the supply management system, a stance supported by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, who cautioned against conceding to pressures regarding the dairy sector in trade discussions. The dairy group highlighted previous concessions made by Canada and the subsequent emergence of fresh demands each time.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Canadian government is reportedly considering meeting certain U.S. demands, including lifting bans on American alcohol sales, in exchange for tariff relief. Additionally, discussions may involve lifting retaliatory tariffs on U.S. autos and making adjustments in the dairy sector. Canada aims for the removal of the new 50 percent tariffs, relief from sectoral tariffs, and a joint commitment to resume CUSMA talks in the fall.