Canada's Trade Minister heads to Washington for final push on U.S. trade deal

Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is heading back to Washington on Thursday for critical trade discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The talks are entering their final stages as the deadline for a pause on new tariffs looms large.

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He and Chief Trade Negotiator Charette will meet with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer at 12:15 EDT at the United States Trade Representative’s offices.

After weeks of intense negotiations, which have been shadowed by the threat of significant tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, both Canada and the United States appear to be nearing a resolution on a new trade agreement. LeBlanc's office confirmed that he and Chief Trade Negotiator Charette would meet Greer at 12:15 p.m. EDT at the U.S. Trade Representative's offices.

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continental security and other global priorities.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is also traveling to Washington for separate meetings with her U.S. counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on "continental security and other global priorities." Sources indicate that Canada is on track to achieve reductions in steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs as part of the emerging deal.

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We have more work to do.

Despite the apparent progress, Canadian officials acknowledge that more work remains. "We have more work to do," LeBlanc told reporters in Ottawa. Quebec Premier Christine Frechette echoed this sentiment, stating that the negotiations are "far from over" and that she requires further clarification from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who chaired a meeting of Canada's premiers to discuss the ongoing trade talks. Some premiers, like Nova Scotia's Tim Houston, noted that Carney had asked provinces to prepare to restock American alcohol on their shelves, suggesting it stems directly from the negotiating table.

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The negotiations with the Trump administration are far from over.