LeBlanc, Charette to meet with U.S. trade rep with hours to go on tariff deadline

They were set to come into effect just after midnight Wednesday, but that deadline was pushed back until Saturday to allow time to turn the agreed-upon deal into a legal agreement.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada’s chief negotiator Janice Charette have met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington several times this month to hammer out the deal.

LeBlanc told reporters on Thursday that the two sides were “very close” to a deal. The content of that agreement, however, has not been shared publicly.

The agreement is expected to address U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, lumber and autos. It’s also expect to address some U.S. concerns about limited access to Canada’s dairy market, as well as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on autos and provincial bans on U.S. alcohol imports.

“Canadians expect us to get a deal that’s in the economic interest of Canada and Canadian workers,” LeBlanc said as he left Greer’s office Thursday.

Canada’s premiers have said that in a briefing from Prime Minister Mark Carney, the prime minister asked them to put U.S. booze back on the shelves as part of the deal. Many said Thursday they were open to ending their provincial bans.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has yet to comment publicly on the latest proposal, while Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said Thursday after a call with Carney that she’s weighing how the deal could play out for her province.

Unlike other tariffs, the duties that are on pause would affect goods that are compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade.

The tariffs would be placed on a wide variety of goods from hockey sticks and honey to concrete and plywood.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 21, 2026.

The Canadian Press staff

by The Canadian Press

LeBlanc, Charette to meet with U.S. trade rep with hours to go on tariff deadline

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