Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada will not offer more trade concessions just to begin talks with the United States.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney gave a clear “no” when asked if Canada would make further compromises to get to the negotiating table. His comments follow reports that the U.S. is asking Canada for concessions before starting discussions on updating the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Carney said both countries have trade concerns and will address them through proper negotiations. He added that the U.S. cannot set all the terms, and any deal must work for both sides.
A review of CUSMA is due before July 1. Meanwhile, the U.S. has signaled that reaching a full agreement by that deadline may be difficult.
