Canadian Officials Describe Meeting With US Commerce Secretary as Productive

Canadian officials stated that their meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Thursday was productive and helped to ease tensions during the ongoing trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump last month. However, they do not anticipate any immediate changes to the existing punitive tariffs.

“This was a positive discussion,” Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne remarked in Washington. “While we may have our differences, engaging in dialogue indicates progress.”

Trump’s significant trade reconfiguration plans have caused disruptions in markets on both sides of the border and have led to layoffs in vital industries such as steel production in Canada.

Champagne was accompanied by Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford for the meeting that took place at the conclusion of a tumultuous week in trade relations between the two nations.

Following threats made by Trump on Tuesday to double steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada in response to Ford imposing a 25 percent surcharge on the province’s electricity exports to three U.S. states, a quick reversal came when Ford withdrew the surcharge and Trump rescinded the plan to increase the tariffs.

Nevertheless, Trump proceeded on Wednesday to impose an additional 25 percent import tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., including those from Canada.

Canada responded by imposing 25 percent tariffs on an additional $29.8 billion worth of American goods, which became effective just after midnight on Thursday. Last week, Canada had already placed 25 percent tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods in response to the initial round of tariffs from the U.S.

“We are like family. Sometimes there are tensions within families,” Ford stated during a separate press conference in Washington on Thursday, apart from the federal ministers. “However, that was an incredibly productive meeting.”

A news release from the U.S. Department of Commerce mentioned that the Canadian and American officials discussed the Trump administration’s objective of achieving fair trade with Canada and the province of Ontario, while also maintaining border security and combating fentanyl.

“Both countries acknowledged the strength and long-standing history of their relationship,” the release added.

Trump’s recently confirmed United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, was also present at the meeting.

Champagne and LeBlanc did not provide clarity on whether there would be significant changes in the relationship between the two nations after Mark Carney takes over as prime minister on Friday.

Champagne indicated that he anticipates Carney and Trump to have discussions in the coming days.

Trump and Trudeau have had a challenging and often turbulent relationship. Trump has consistently teased Trudeau about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, frequently referring to him as “Governor Trudeau.”

Trump’s remarks persisted on Wednesday during his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Washington.

“To be frank, Canada only functions as a state,” Trump remarked.

Trump described the international border between the two countries as an “artificial line” and stated that there is no intention to back down on tariffs.

“There may be some disruption for a brief period… but they rely on us, whereas we don’t necessarily rely on them… We have to take this action. I regret it, but it is necessary,” he emphasized.

These issues were highlighted on Thursday as the individual set to become America’s top diplomat in Ottawa fielded questions during his congressional confirmation hearing.

When questioned about Trump’s repeated hints of annexation during his Senate confirmation hearing, Pete Hoekstra remarked that “Canada is a sovereign state.”

When asked if joking about annexation is appropriate, Hoekstra declined to comment on the president’s relationship with Trudeau.

If confirmed, the former Michigan congressman will enter the role of ambassador during a tumultuous period in U.S.-Canada relations.