Canada’s Trade Minister, Dominic LeBlanc, along with his American counterpart, are working towards presenting a potential trade deal to U.S. President Donald Trump by Monday, sources informed CBC News. The aim is to deliver a joint proposal to Trump before the upcoming tariff deadline, providing him with ample time to make a final decision before new levies on numerous Canadian imports take effect on August 19.

These sources, who received recent briefings on the matter, have expressed optimism that the proposal could be put forth to Trump at least a day before the tariff deadline. It is important to note that the individuals providing this information are not being named by CBC News due to a lack of authorization to speak publicly.

In efforts to extend the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), LeBlanc held a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington, marking their third face-to-face discussion within three weeks. Following their meeting, neither LeBlanc nor Canada’s chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette, responded to reporters’ inquiries. LeBlanc later indicated on X that discussions are ongoing and that he and Charette will continue their engagement at the negotiation table.

While trying to prevent the imposition of new tariffs by the U.S., LeBlanc and Charette are also seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles. Canada is hopeful that the ongoing trade discussions between the two nations will lead to an extension of the CUSMA, particularly after the Trump administration declined to renew the agreement in July.

The U.S. government recently announced the imposition of tariffs effective August 19, citing several trade issues, including Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies by removing U.S. alcohol from provincial stores and alleged discrimination against U.S. motor vehicles and dairy products. These measures have resulted in significant drops in exports to Canada, with the targeted goods encompassing a variety of products from alcohol to sports equipment.

Conservative Member of Parliament Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada negotiating from a position of strength with the White House. She highlighted the need for Prime Minister Mark Carney to secure a trade agreement with the Trump administration, criticizing the delay in achieving this goal. Rempel Garner’s comments align with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s call for Carney to demonstrate assertiveness in trade negotiations, advocating for favorable terms for Canada, including zero tariffs on softwood lumber and exemptions from various sectoral tariffs and trade rules.