Ottawa: Canada reaffirmed its commitment to constructive trade negotiations with the United States despite a fresh threat from former U.S. President Donald Trump to increase tariffs on Canadian goods by 10%. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the country’s point person on U.S.-Canada trade, emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration in resolving bilateral trade issues.
In a statement issued late Saturday, Minister LeBlanc expressed Canada’s readiness to build upon the progress achieved in recent discussions with American counterparts. He highlighted that both countries share a vested interest in protecting workers and families, and that meaningful progress can only be secured through direct engagement with the U.S. administration. “We will remain focused on achieving results that benefit workers and families in both the United States and Canada, and that progress is best achieved through direct engagement with the U.S. administration which is the responsibility of the federal government,” LeBlanc said.
The latest tensions emerged after Trump threatened to hike tariffs in response to a controversial advertisement produced by the Canadian province of Ontario. The ad featured excerpts from a 1987 anti-tariff speech by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. While Ontario has agreed to pull the ad starting Monday, Trump announced on Saturday his intention to raise tariffs on Canadian imports by an additional 10%, intensifying uncertainty in trade relations.
Canadian officials have been working to restore momentum in stalled negotiations, aiming to protect key sectors such as automotive, agriculture, and energy. Despite the challenge posed by Trump’s tariff announcement, Ottawa remains committed to a strategy of engagement rather than confrontation, emphasizing the long-term importance of stable and mutually beneficial trade ties.
Minister LeBlanc’s remarks underscored Canada’s determination to navigate the situation diplomatically while safeguarding national economic interests. By prioritizing dialogue and cooperation, Ottawa seeks to prevent a full-blown trade escalation and to ensure that Canadian businesses and workers continue to thrive in an increasingly interconnected North American market.
The unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance Canada must maintain as it manages relations with the U.S. while responding to political pressures and unexpected policy shifts from American leadership figures. Canada’s approach reflects a reliance on negotiation, patience, and the pursuit of mutually advantageous solutions in the face of potential economic disruption.