Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is scheduled to meet with his U.S. counterpart, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, on Friday morning amid ongoing negotiations for a trade agreement. The meeting follows a more than three-hour discussion on Thursday, after which LeBlanc stated that both sides were "very close" to a deal.
Leaked details suggest potential U.S. concessions include reducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum from 50% to 25%, and on Canadian automobiles from 25% to 15%. Canada is reportedly considering offering U.S. dairy producers greater access to its market, in addition to restoring the sale of American alcohol.
While U.S. President Donald Trump has framed the potential agreement as beneficial for American farmers and manufacturers, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated it addresses "Canada's most important strategic sectors," some Canadians are expressing reservations.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew voiced strong criticism of President Trump, calling him "erratic, irresponsible, and not to be trusted." Kinew questioned the wisdom of making additional concessions to the U.S. president.
Kinew indicated he would reluctantly permit the sale of U.S. alcohol in his province if it served Canada's broader interests, but urged Canadians to boycott the products. "Let it sit on the shelf," he advised.
LeBlanc was seen speaking with reporters in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. 