LeBlanc says Canada-U.S. trade contacts continue despite lack of formal talks
Canada’s trade minister reports continued contact with senior U.S. counterparts, but no formal negotiations or Washington meetings are on the calendar.
Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said in Banff that officials on both sides remain in contact even though Canada is not currently engaged in official trade negotiations with Washington. He said he has no meetings scheduled in Washington, describing the engagement as ongoing conversations rather than a resumed negotiating process. [1]
LeBlanc said he has spoken several times with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and also sometimes speaks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The comments provide a narrow update on minister-level communication following the August impasse in trade talks, without identifying a timetable, agenda or pathway for formal negotiations to restart. [1]
The minister made the remarks during a two-day Liberal cabinet retreat in Banff, where the trade conflict with the United States was a key subject. He said Canada needs to be prepared for a possible agreement that respects Canadian sovereignty and serves the national interest, framing continued official contact as preparation rather than evidence of a deal. [1]
The status update comes after the United States imposed new restrictions on some Canadian products and raised tariffs on others after Canada applied retaliatory duties, according to the report. It says the earlier breakdown in talks was followed by U.S. 50 per cent tariffs on nearly $28 billion in Canadian goods, including honey, sunscreen, sports equipment and milk, while most Canadian alcohol imports were barred under new U.S. orders. [1]
For businesses exposed to the dispute, the immediate signal is that channels to senior U.S. officials remain open but that no formal forum is currently scheduled to resolve outstanding measures. The report does not indicate that either side has changed its tariffs, retaliatory duties or product restrictions, so the practical trading environment described remains unchanged pending further negotiations or policy action. [1]
This is a low-significance negotiation-status update: LeBlanc confirmed continuing direct contact with senior U.S. officials, which keeps a channel open for future engagement, but he also said there are no official negotiations or Washington meetings scheduled. The report identifies no agreement, tariff relief or new industry-specific policy change, limiting the immediate business impact. [1]