Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to exhibit more strength in the ongoing trade discussions with the United States. Poilievre, along with 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 duo pointed out specific actions taken by Canada, such as abandoning the digital service tax, eliminating counter-tariffs, and agreeing to share toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. They contested Carney’s stance that no deal is preferable to a bad deal, emphasizing the negative impact on Canadian manufacturing jobs dependent on cross-border supply chains.
Poilievre criticized Carney for continuously yielding to American demands without reciprocal benefits, resulting in increased tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber. He emphasized the need for a favorable agreement that includes zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and exemption from Buy America regulations on infrastructure projects.
As the deadline for new U.S. tariffs approaches, the Conservatives reiterated their call for Canada to bolster its negotiating position by establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals and seeking partnerships with countries offering tariff-free access to their markets. Despite Canada and Mexico’s interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, the U.S. has opted for annual reviews instead.
Amid trade tensions, Dairy Farmers of Canada urged the government to protect the supply management system, emphasizing the importance of not compromising the dairy industry in negotiations. Concerns were raised about Canada making concessions without reciprocal benefits, prompting calls for a more assertive stance.
Industry sources revealed that Canada is considering meeting certain U.S. demands, including lifting bans on American alcohol sales and adjusting the dairy sector, in exchange for tariff relief. Canada is also seeking the removal of new tariffs and sectoral tariffs, along with a commitment to resume CUSMA talks in the fall.