OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has warned Prime Minister Mark Carney against conceding ground to U.S. negotiators unless Canada secures complete tariff-free access for its lumber, steel, aluminum, and automotive sectors.
In an open letter addressed to the prime minister, co-authored with shadow minister for U.S. relations Shuvaloy Majumdar, Poilievre urged Carney to stand firm and deliver on his promises. “Our message is clear. We want the win and the ‘good deal’ you promised fifteen months ago. No more pursuing policies of a managed decline at home,” the letter stated.
The warning comes as bilateral trade discussions intensify in Washington, D.C., following U.S. President Donald Trump’s invocation of Section 338 of the 1930 Tariff Act on July 21. Under the decree, the U.S. threatened a 50 per cent tariff on Canadian exports valued at upwards of $28 billion. Set to take effect on August 19, the levies target both CUSMA-compliant and non-compliant goods unless Ottawa addresses trade friction surrounding retaliatory auto tariffs, American access to Canada’s dairy market, and provincial bans on U.S. alcohol.
While reports indicate Canada is weighing concessions in automobiles, alcohol, and dairy in exchange for partial relief, the Official Opposition is demanding guaranteed tariff-free entry and full exemptions from “Buy America” infrastructure mandates.
