Conservatives urge feds to release details of U.S. deal Canada walked away from

Canada's Conservative Party is pressing the federal government to disclose the complete details of a proposed U.S. trade agreement that led Canada to abandon negotiations. Shuvaloy Majumdar, the party's critic for Canada-U.S. relations, formally requested the information from Dominic LeBlanc, emphasizing his party's commitment to tariff-free trade. Majumdar stated that Canadians deserve to see the draft text of any agreement that both governments reviewed. Canada withdrew its negotiators late Friday, with officials citing that the U.S. "asked too much and offered too little." However, the precise terms of the offer remain largely unknown. During a press conference, officials mentioned outstanding issues concerning auto tariffs, restrictions on Canada's ability to form free trade agreements, and measures targeting Quebec's French language and culture. Sources indicated discussions involved reducing steel and aluminum duties to 25 percent and auto tariffs to 15 percent. The Conservatives argue that the government's previous reluctance to share details, to avoid tipping its hand to U.S. negotiators, is no longer valid now that talks have stalled. Majumdar criticized the government, suggesting it made significant concessions before negotiations even began, and urged for transparency regarding the U.S. proposals and threats. Global News has sought comment from the federal government regarding the Conservatives' call for transparency.

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I am requesting that your government release the full details of the proposed deal from which you chose to walk away on Friday evening. If there was a draft text of any agreement that both governments have seen, please release it. The U.S. administration has seen it. Your government has seen it. Canadians deserve to see it.