Leblanc meets Lutnick in Washington, with the aim of restarting commercial conversations
Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Meets with U.S. Trade Secretary in Washington
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs of Canada, Dominic Leblanc, met with American Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.
Liam Richards/The Canadian Press
Dominic Leblanc, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, held a meeting on Tuesday with American Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington. This meeting comes as Canada resumes negotiations regarding the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Minister of Justice Sean Fraser is also currently in the American capital for his first meeting with Attorney General Pam Bondi, scheduled for Wednesday morning. The agenda includes discussions on border security and combating the fentanyl trade.
These meetings mark a revival of bilateral engagement following a period of minimal contact during the trade disputes with the Trump administration.
According to a post on social media by Mr. Leblanc, the discussions with Mr. Lutnick focused on sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and the evaluation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement governing North American trade.
Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the importance of addressing challenges in industries such as steel, aluminum, automotive, copper, and softwood lumber. The discussions will center on these strategic sectors as negotiations progress.
The recent meetings are a result of President Trump’s indication that dropping tariffs could reignite negotiations. The discussions aim to address issues related to border security and the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. from Canada.
Mr. Fraser’s meeting with Mrs. Bondi will also involve Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and Kevin Brosseau, a senior civil servant leading efforts against the fentanyl trade.
The discussions between Canada and the U.S. are focusing on potential solutions such as tariff-rate quotas for steel and aluminum imports. These measures aim to regulate trade and ensure fair competition in the North American market.
The ongoing negotiations reflect the complexities of international trade relations and the efforts to find mutually beneficial solutions amidst trade tensions.
