Article – Trade talks between Canada and the United States have quietly resumed after months of silence. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc confirmed Monday that discussions around sectoral tariffs are back on track, though he chose his words carefully. The talks had been suspended since October by U.S. President Donald Trump following a political ad that didn’t sit well south of the border.
LeBlanc told reporters in Ottawa that conversations have restarted “in a sense.” He pointed to a key meeting on March 6 in Washington with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. That’s where Canada’s chief negotiator Janice Charette and Ambassador Mark Wiseman met their American counterparts for the first time since taking on their roles last month.
The resumption matters because tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos continue to weigh on Canadian industries. Workers in manufacturing hubs across Ontario and Quebec have felt the pinch for months. Trump imposed these measures using emergency powers, though the U.S. Supreme Court recently struck down similar tariffs under that same authority.
LeBlanc’s careful phrasing suggests the path forward remains delicate. He described current talks as “productive” and noted that being engaged again marks a change from October. That’s when Trump pulled the plug after Ontario ran an ad quoting Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney personally apologized to Trump, but the damage was done and talks stalled.
Before the suspension, both countries were discussing measures that would benefit their economies. LeBlanc indicated those conversations are continuing, though he stopped short of declaring full-scale negotiations. Canada now faces pressure to catch up with Mexico, which has already begun formal talks with Washington ahead of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement review scheduled for July.
Trade Representative Greer hasn’t made things easier. He recently complained about Canadian trade barriers, singling out provincial restrictions on American alcohol products. Several provinces refuse to stock certain U.S. wines and spirits on government-run liquor store shelves. Greer suggested Canada is “behind” compared to Mexico in preparing for the summer trade review.
LeBlanc acknowledged he’s discussed the alcohol issue with premiers and territorial leaders. But he wouldn’t say whether provinces are considering lifting those bans to smooth relations with Washington. “They can make the decisions they want,” he said. Provincial jurisdiction over liquor sales remains a touchy subject, and premiers guard that authority closely.
The minister emphasized that federal and provincial governments are working together to protect Canadian workers and the economy. That unity will matter as negotiations intensify. Trade disputes have a way of creating regional tensions, especially when industries concentrated in specific provinces face tariff threats.
Canada plans to begin separate bilateral negotiations with the U.S. “in due course” before the trilateral CUSMA review later this year. That dual-track approach gives Ottawa flexibility but also adds complexity. Managing two sets of talks simultaneously will test the new negotiating team led by Charette.
One issue that hasn’t complicated matters is Canada’s position on the U.S. and Israeli military actions involving Iran. LeBlanc said foreign policy differences haven’t come up in trade discussions. He noted that neither Charette nor Wiseman reported any concerns from American officials about Canada’s stance. That’s welcome news, given how trade and security issues can become entangled.
The sectoral tariffs remain in place for now despite the Supreme Court ruling against Trump’s emergency powers justification. That legal development may provide leverage for Canadian negotiators, but tariffs imposed under different authorities could survive court challenges. Canadian industries continue operating under uncertainty about costs and market access.
LeBlanc’s comments Monday reflected the cautious optimism of someone who’s seen trade talks derail before. He avoided declaring victory while signaling progress. That measured tone makes sense given how quickly things fell apart last October over a single advertisement.
The Ontario ad quoted Reagan saying “one of the worst things” a government could do was “put up a tariff wall.” Trump took personal offense and suspended talks immediately. The episode highlighted how personality and perception can override policy substance in trade disputes.
Carney’s apology eventually helped thaw relations, though Trump publicly stated talks remained on hold even after the prime minister’s call. The fact that technical staff are now meeting again suggests a shift in Washington’s approach, even if Trump hasn’t formally lifted the suspension.
Canadian negotiators face a tight timeline. The CUSMA review begins in July whether or not sectoral tariff issues are resolved. That agreement requires a joint review six years after implementation, and all three countries must participate. Failing to resolve bilateral disputes beforehand could complicate the broader trade relationship.
Provincial cooperation will be crucial going forward. Ottawa needs premiers to present a united front, but can’t force their hand on issues like alcohol sales. Balancing federal trade authority with provincial jurisdiction has always been tricky in Canadian politics.
The resumed talks offer a chance to reduce tariffs hurting Canadian exporters and workers. But LeBlanc’s careful language suggests significant gaps remain. Both sides will need to move beyond symbolic gestures and find concrete solutions that address American concerns without compromising Canadian interests.
For now, the fact that officials are talking again counts as progress. Whether those conversations lead to actual tariff reductions remains uncertain. Canadian industries will be watching closely as summer approaches and the formal CUSMA review begins.
