Canadian negotiators in Washington with tariff deadline approaching

Canada’s top trade negotiators were in Washington on Sunday without scheduled meetings as the country faced a Wednesday deadline to avert proposed 50 per cent U.S. tariffs on a range of goods.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order setting Aug. 19 as the effective date. Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and chief trade negotiator Janice Charette have intensified contact with American counterparts since the announcement.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said Friday that talks had been constructive, but said Canada must lift retaliatory measures to avoid the tariffs. The U.S. has cited provincial restrictions on American liquor, Canada’s supply-managed dairy system and quotas on some U.S. vehicles.

At a Vancouver news conference, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said the Liberal government should be able to reach a strong agreement by Wednesday, referring to a pledge by Prime Minister Mark Carney during last year’s election.