In a surprise announcement at the G7 summit in Alberta, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to pursue a new economic and security deal within 30 days. The agreement comes despite earlier statements from Canadian officials suggesting that substantial differences remained.
Carney, elected in April on a platform opposing Trump’s tariffs, aims to redefine Canada’s economic ties with the U.S. The leaders met on the sidelines of the summit, where Trump emphasized his commitment to tariffs. “I’m a tariff person,” he stated, while Carney pushes for a deal that eliminates trade barriers.
Canada, a leading supplier of steel, aluminum, and autos to the U.S., is currently subject to American tariffs on all three sectors. Trump has signaled that any future deal must include tariffs, a stance Ottawa opposes. Carney’s office did not confirm whether Canada would accept any U.S. tariffs under the proposed agreement.
Canadian officials previously expressed skepticism about a quick resolution, noting that Washington appeared to be moving slowly. However, Carney’s spokesperson confirmed both leaders are aiming to finalize a deal within the next month.
Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, reaffirmed the government’s position. “We are in the middle of a discussion—not at the end. Our position is that we should have no tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States,” she said. Hillman emphasized that negotiations would continue to secure the best possible outcome for Canada.
The talks come as Canada prepares potential retaliatory measures should negotiations over U.S. tariffs fail. The next 30 days will be crucial in determining whether the two countries can reach a mutually acceptable agreement amid ongoing trade tensions.