Despite recent reports of “intense” talks, a trade agreement between the US and Canada has remained elusive after six months of being embroiled in a tariff war. Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump have both scuttled any hopes of a speedy, tariff-free agreement. Additionally, expectations for a last-minute accord earlier this week were crushed by Trump’s outspoken condemnation of Canada’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state.
Since the two presidents established the summer deadline at the G7 conference in June, the tone has changed to one of pessimism. According to Fen Hampson, a professor of international politics at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canadian negotiators have concluded that “it’s not the end of the world” if a speedy agreement isn’t achieved and “that quality over speed and a rushed agreement matters a lot.
Carney, who has refrained from discussing the specifics of the negotiations, has stated that “any deal” won’t be enough. Nonetheless, both sides are under pressure to provide relief to companies.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservatives, stated on Friday that he understands “Canadians’ disappointment” over the failure to achieve an agreement by the deadline. “Take back control of our economic future,” he said, calling on Carney’s Liberals to do more.
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