Key facts
- Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew publicly criticized the US-Canada trade deal and Donald Trump.
- Negotiators have a deadline of Friday night to finalize the agreement.
- The deal reportedly involves Canada restoring US alcohol sales in exchange for reduced US tariffs on Canadian metals and autos.
- US Vice-president JD Vance suggested Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made concessions.
- Other Canadian premiers have expressed varied opinions on the proposed terms.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has publicly criticized the ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the United States, urging his country to adopt a more assertive stance and 'fight' for better terms as a Friday night deadline looms. Kinew specifically called US President Donald Trump a "bad person," questioning the rationale behind making concessions, such as restoring the sale of US alcohol in Canada, in exchange for reduced tariffs on Canadian metals and autos.
Negotiators are working to finalize an agreement that would see US tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum potentially reduced from 50% to 25%, and tariffs on automobiles from 25% to 15%. In return, Canada is reportedly considering allowing greater access for American dairy producers and reinstating the sale of US alcoholic beverages. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated on Thursday that the two sides were "very close" to a deal.
However, the proposed terms have elicited mixed reactions from other provincial leaders. Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette is analyzing the impact on her province's dairy farmers, while others, like the mayor of an Ontario city with a significant steel producer, expressed concern that the deal might not benefit their communities. Meanwhile, premiers from Nova Scotia and the Yukon territory indicated readiness to restore US alcohol sales.
US Vice-president JD Vance reportedly commented on the negotiations, suggesting that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has attempted to "out-tough Donald Trump" but has fundamentally "climb[ed] down on a lot of issues." Polls indicate a majority of Canadians favor a hardline approach in dealings with the US, with 56% surveyed by Leger wanting Canada to maintain a tough stance.