Canada, U.S. officials to meet again as 50% tariffs to take effect in 3 days

Canadian and U.S. officials are scheduled to meet again on Sunday as the new 50% tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump are set to take effect in just three days. A spokesperson for Canada's minister responsible for trade, Dominic LeBlanc, announced that LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamie Zampepi will discuss the progress made and the work that remains as they strive to reach a comprehensive agreement.

These talks come amid concerns among politicians, industries, and the public as the U.S. is poised to impose these tariffs on certain Canadian goods. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for the removal of tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber in any trade deal. As of now, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will reduce softwood tariffs, with multiple sources confirming that the Americans do not wish to lower these duties, currently at 45%.

Premier David Eby of British Columbia, which has a significant lumber industry, criticized the high tariff rates, stating that they are putting forest families out of work. However, there are other aspects being considered in these negotiations, including potential reductions in tariffs on autos and parts compliant under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to a rate between 10-15%, according to one source.