Canada-U.S. trade talks intensify but significant gaps persist
Negotiations between Canada and the United States have increased, yet key issues remain unresolved and no agreement is imminent.
Trade discussions between Canada and the United States have stepped up in the final days of the U.S. midterm campaign, but sources say a deal is not yet close. A source familiar with the talks told Radio-Canada that "substantive conversations, but there are still key elements that remain unresolved" and added, "We are not on the verge of an agreement just yet."
Canada's chief trade negotiator Janice Charette told the Toronto Global Forum that "pens are down, and the doors are open" and that Canada is ready to continue talks, though she noted the conversations are occurring at "multiple levels" and not yet at the negotiating table. "We're having conversations to see whether or not we can come back to the table for a set of detailed negotiations," Charette said, adding that the timing is uncertain.
A spokesperson for Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said Canada remains in constructive dialogue with its U.S. counterparts and is prepared to work in good faith toward a mutually beneficial trading relationship that respects Canadian interests.
U.S. President Donald Trump told a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, that the dispute would be settled soon, saying Canada is "willing to give us anything at this moment." White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett echoed a more optimistic tone, claiming negotiations have picked up after a slowdown linked to an Alberta referendum and that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has been speaking with Canadian officials all week.
Analysts note that the trade dispute is unpopular among American voters across parties and that political messaging may be influencing the narrative. Former Obama strategist David Axelrod suggested an eleventh-hour deal could be pursued to aid Senate candidates in northern states.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, speaking before a meeting of first ministers and First Nations leaders, said the trade talks are affecting the U.S. election and described the situation as "we'll see what happens," adding that a fair deal for steel, auto and manufacturing workers would prompt him to lift the province's U.S. alcohol ban quickly.