Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to demonstrate strength in trade negotiations with the United States. In a letter shared with the media, Poilievre and Canada-U.S. relations critic Shuvaloy Majumdar criticized Ottawa for conceding to several of Trump’s demands over the past year.
They highlighted actions such as eliminating the digital service tax, lifting Canada’s counter-tariffs, and involving the U.S. in sharing net toll revenue from the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Poilievre and Majumdar disputed Carney’s stance that no deal is preferable to a poor one, citing job losses in Canadian manufacturing cities dependent on cross-border supply chains.
Poilievre accused Carney of 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 deal for Canadians, including zero tariffs on softwood lumber, the removal of sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and complete exemption from Buy America regulations on infrastructure projects.
As new 50% U.S. tariffs on various Canadian products loom, both countries are intensifying trade discussions. The Conservatives reiterated the importance of establishing a strategic reserve of critical minerals to bolster Canada’s negotiating leverage.
While Canada and Mexico expressed interest in extending the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the U.S. opted for rolling annual reviews instead. Dairy farmers have urged the PM not to compromise on the supply management system, a contentious issue in trade talks, as they have faced escalating demands despite previous concessions.
Reports suggest Canada may consider ending bans on American alcohol sales and lifting retaliatory tariffs on U.S. autos in exchange for tariff relief. Canada aims for the removal of the new tariffs, relief from sectoral tariffs, and a commitment to resume CUSMA talks with the U.S. in the coming months.