Dominic LeBlanc has steered portfolios through Canada’s volatile trade era, most recently as a senior cabinet fixer keeping Liberal priorities intact amid US-Canada tariff tensions.
The United States has declined to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form and has begun annual reviews instead. Washington has said it will continue talks with Mexico and Canada to address trade deficits and "shortcomings." The pact remains in force and will expire in 2036 unless countries agree changes.
The United States has set 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 countries accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, arguing that they fail to enforce bans on goods made with forced labour. The tariffs take effect as prior global levies expire, with India and others qualifying for lower rates after tightening enforcement.
The US has imposed new 10%–12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, saying they have not effectively enforced bans on goods produced with forced labour. The levies replace expiring temporary duties and include product exemptions, while trading partners from Brazil to Australia have criticised the move and markets have reacted with caution.
Canada and the United States have resumed intensive talks to avert steep US tariffs that could take effect this week. Ottawa has offered concessions, including removing a retaliatory auto tariff, while Washington has pressed provinces to lift bans on US alcohol and pushed demands on market access and content rules for autos. Negotiators are still finalising details.
Canada has suspended trade talks with the United States after last‑minute changes to a proposed deal, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada will match new 50% US tariffs "dollar for dollar". Washington has imposed duties on about $20bn of Canadian goods; both sides blame the other for collapsing talks.
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20bn of Canadian goods and Canada has announced dollar‑for‑dollar retaliation, naming more than 700 U.S. products for 15%, 25% or 50% duties from Sept. 8. The moves have hit metals, autos, food and household goods and are pushing costs for manufacturers and consumers on both sides of the border.
The Liberal Party has claimed victories in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Beaches-East York and North Vancouver-Capilano, signaling a solidifying stance against US tariffs and trade pressure. The performances are strongest in Quebec, where the Liberal candidate has secured a decisive win, while results in Ontario and British Columbia reinforce the party s parliamentary strength.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Interior Department to change the U.S. federal name for Lake Ontario to "Lake America" and has said the change is effective immediately. The move comes as Washington and Ottawa have imposed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of each other's goods and Canadian leaders have rejected the renaming.