Manitoba Premier Urges Canada to Stand Firm Ahead of US Trade Deadline

Quebec Premier Christine Fréchette, representing a province with a significant dairy sector, stated on Thursday that she is evaluating the potential impact of the agreement on Quebec’s farmers before determining whether to reinstate U.S. alcohol sales.

Doug Ford, the outspoken premier of Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has not yet issued a public statement on the agreement.

In contrast, the premiers of Nova Scotia and Yukon indicated they are ready to reinstate U.S. alcohol sales.

The mayor of an Ontario city that hosts Canada’s second‑largest steel producer told CBC that a deal imposing 25 % tariffs on the industry “wouldn’t be something to celebrate.”

“I am concerned that the emerging reports suggest we may not secure an agreement that at minimum benefits our community,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative opposition, also criticized the current understanding of the deal, noting that “one‑sided tariffs on Canadian industry would be a bad deal.”

Nevertheless, Carney faces pressure from businesses and stakeholders to secure an agreement that would avoid an additional 50 % tariff threatened by Trump on various Canadian products, including hockey equipment, wine, and cement.

Canada could lose up to 90,000 jobs if the new tariffs take effect, according to an analysis released on Thursday, external by Trevor Tombe, an economist based in Calgary.

The varied responses to date illustrate the challenge facing Prime Minister Carney, who ran on a firm “elbows‑up” stance toward Trump.

Polls indicate that most Canadians would be dissatisfied if the Carney administration conceded substantially to the United States; 56 % of respondents in a Leger survey, external said they prefer Canada adopt a hard‑line stance.

In a leaked audio clip reported by the Canadian Press, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told participants at a private fundraiser on Wednesday that Carney has attempted to “out‑tough” Donald Trump in the trade negotiations.

“It’s ironic because Carney frames this as a win for Canada, yet, in reality, they have backed down on many points,” Vance reportedly remarked to the audience.

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