Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and the U.S. trade representative are working together to present a potential trade deal to President Donald Trump before Monday, according to sources briefed on the matter. The aim is to provide Trump with a proposal a day before the upcoming tariff deadline to allow for a final decision before new tariffs on Canadian imports take effect on August 19.

LeBlanc recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington for the third time in three weeks. Following the meeting, LeBlanc mentioned that discussions are ongoing and both parties will continue negotiations.

In addition to preventing new tariffs, LeBlanc and his team are seeking relief from sectoral tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and autos. They are also hoping for an extension of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) after the Trump administration chose not to renew the deal in July.

The U.S. has cited various trade issues, including Canadian retaliatory measures against U.S. trade policies, as reasons for the tariffs. These tariffs would impact about five percent of Canadian exports and cover a range of goods, from alcohol to hockey sticks.

Conservative politicians in Canada are urging the government to secure a favorable deal with the U.S. Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner emphasized the importance of Canada being in a strong negotiating position. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to deliver a trade agreement that includes zero tariffs on softwood lumber, an end to sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminum, a tariff-free auto pact, and full exemption from Buy America rules.

Overall, the focus remains on presenting a compelling trade proposal to Trump before the tariff deadline to address trade tensions and secure a favorable agreement for both countries.