Talks between Canada and the U.S. are progressing gradually, as American attention shifts toward trade issues with China. AP Photo
Trade talks between Canada and the United States are moving slowly but have not stopped. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said the process will take time. In an interview on Tuesday, he said, “It’s going to take a while to work through it.”
Hoekstra explained that many trade issues are still open. He added that things may stay quiet for the next few weeks since U.S. President Donald Trump is focused on other matters.
U.S. Now Focused on China
Hoekstra said Canada is still important to the U.S. But right now, he said, there’s more opportunity for progress with China.
“Canada is a priority,” he said. “But right now, the opportunity area ... is to do something, potentially, with China.”
Tariff Disagreements
The ambassador said Canada has not been treated unfairly. He pointed out that the average U.S. tariff on Canadian goods is just five percent.
“You’re not going to find another country in the world that comes close,” he said.
He also criticized Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs. Canadian officials have said their retaliatory tariffs were strong—second only to China. Hoekstra said the U.S. never saw Canada in that same category.
Still Hope for Progress
Despite the tensions, Hoekstra believes Canada is in a good position. He pointed to Canadian trade negotiator Kirsten Hillman’s comments that Canada is in an “enviable” spot.
Canadians Growing Worried
Pollster Nik Nanos said Canadians are getting more worried. Many fear job losses and delays as they watch other countries make deals with Trump.
“Canadians are increasingly worried about Trump and the state of the trade negotiations,” Nanos said.
Even though the Canadian government is still popular in the polls, that could change if the trade conflict continues. Nanos warned that setting timelines with Trump is risky.
“The big question is: how many times will Canadians be accepting of a prime minister that promises something, and that can’t meet a timeline,” he said.
Domestic Focus Suggested
Nanos believes Canada’s leader should be honest about the situation. He said the prime minister should admit he can’t control when Trump wants to move forward.
Instead of making excuses, he should say Canada is ready when Trump is.
Canada Staying Firm
Last week, after Trump missed his own deadline for a deal, Prime Minister Carney said he was disappointed. Still, he promised Canada would keep negotiating.
He also said the government would focus on protecting Canadian jobs. Carney said they will boost the economy by improving trade between provinces and launching major projects.
Mixed Reactions Across Canada
Political leaders had different responses. Ontario’s premier called for a strong reply. Saskatchewan’s leader said Canada should drop its counter-tariffs.
Windsor’s mayor said Canada should stay open to options but not give in easily.
“We’re not throwing in the towel,” he said. “We’re not giving away the farm.”
Trade experts agree: a bad deal is worse than no deal. Many say Canada should hold out for something better.
