Canada 'welcomes' US stance on French language in talks

Canada's top negotiator in US trade talks expressed optimism about Washington's stance on French language and Canadian culture, as Ottawa separately exempted seafood products from planned counter-tariffs. The Canadian government welcomed the US's withdrawal of positions on discoverability and labelling, confirming that measures to promote French language and Canadian culture won't be subject to future US trade actions.

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister in charge of US-Canada trade, stated that Canada is awaiting further constructive US clarifications on other positions to resume negotiations and move towards a possible deal. This followed the announcement of retaliatory duties on US goods, ranging from 15% to 50%, set to take effect on September 8.

These duties closely mirror the 50% duties on $27.6 billion in Canadian goods imposed by US President Donald Trump earlier this month. Trade talks were called off at the last minute, with Prime Minister Mark Carney alleging that US negotiators had sought restrictions on Canada's trade agreements with other nations and threatened the French language and Quebec culture.

US officials reportedly made unacceptable threats to these aspects of Canada. The White House had accused Canada of discriminatory treatment against US products like alcohol, automobiles, and dairy, prompting retaliatory measures that would impact industries such as railway construction materials and dishwashers. However, seafood products have been exempted based on feedback.