Leaders Convene in Ontario to Rethink Negotiation Strategy
HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO — July 22, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial premiers gathered in Muskoka this week to assess progress in economic and security negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. The consensus: quality matters more than speed. The group downplayed the likelihood of finalizing a new bilateral agreement before the self-imposed August 1 deadline.
Complex Talks Prompt Shift in Tone
The ongoing discussions, led by Canada’s federal team and involving U.S. counterparts, have proven more intricate than anticipated. Carney, elected for his economic acumen and U.S. credibility, acknowledged the challenges. “We will agree [to] a deal if there’s one on the table that is in the best interest of Canadians,” he said, emphasizing the need to avoid rushing complex diplomacy.
U.S. Tariff Threat Looms as Deadline Nears
The urgency stems from Trump’s threat to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports that fail to comply with the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While specifics remain unclear, the risk of increased duties on steel, aluminum, lumber, and auto exports has provinces bracing for economic fallout.
Premiers Back Substance Over Speed
Quebec Premier François Legault voiced skepticism over Trump’s consistency. “You almost need to ask Donald Trump, and I’m not even sure he knows himself what he wants.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed concerns, describing Trump as “very, very hard” to negotiate with due to his unpredictability.
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt emphasized that any deal must benefit Canadians long-term. “We want a good deal, not a fast deal,” Holt said, reflecting the broader sentiment.
Provincial Strategies to Mitigate U.S. Impact
As talks continue, Canadian leaders are crafting contingency plans. Premiers discussed infrastructure investment, reducing interprovincial trade barriers, and launching a “Buy Canadian” campaign to strengthen domestic markets.
The meeting also featured guidance from former ambassadors Gary Doer and David McNaughton, who played key roles in the previous USMCA renegotiations. Their input reinforced the importance of patience and strategy.
Next Steps in Bilateral Negotiations
A delegation led by Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Carney’s chief-of-staff Marc-André Blanchard will travel to Washington this week to continue talks. While the timeline remains uncertain, Carney reassured Canadians that “we’ll use all the time that’s necessary” to reach a deal that protects the national interest.
maplenewswire will continue monitoring developments as Canada’s leadership balances urgency with prudence in one of the most consequential negotiations of the year.
