Canada’s representative to the United States emphasized the necessity of reinstating American alcohol on Canadian store shelves during a recent video conference, as reported by CBC News. Mark Wiseman made this statement while briefing around 100 members of the Canada-U.S. trade council on the ongoing trade negotiations.

The trade council, consisting of various businesses, industry associations, and labor groups, also listened to insights from a former Canadian chief trade negotiator who expressed reservations about the trade agreement being discussed. Canadian negotiators are currently in Washington engaging in crucial talks with the Trump administration to avert the imposition of 50 percent tariffs on Canadian exports, with a deadline set for midnight Friday.

According to sources familiar with the call, Wiseman shared details about a potential agreement to circumvent the new tariffs during his presentation. He mentioned that approximately 35 Canadian officials are actively working at the Canadian Embassy in Washington to finalize the agreement’s language within the next 24 to 48 hours.

Wiseman outlined key aspects of the proposed deal, including reductions in steel, aluminum, and auto tariffs, as well as modifications in the allocation of dairy import licenses by the Canadian government. However, concerns were raised by the former chief trade negotiator, Steve Verheul, who cautioned against accepting sectoral tariffs and making significant concessions that could impact Canada’s long-term trade advantage.

Under the prospective agreement, the U.S. plans to lower steel and aluminum tariffs from 50 to 25 percent, while also decreasing the tariff rate on Canadian-manufactured vehicles from 25 to 15 percent, with certain exemptions for American content. Notably, the Canadian auto industry’s request for an exemption on Canadian-made content from American tariffs was not met, with Wiseman indicating that this issue would be deferred to CUSMA negotiations.

Verheul stressed the importance of Canada asserting its stance against the U.S. administration’s sectoral tariffs on aluminum, steel, and autos. He underscored the need for Canada to prioritize duty-free trade in future negotiations, expressing concerns about the lack of adequate consultation with relevant industries and provincial leaders. Additionally, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, another council adviser, raised doubts about the potential challenges of removing agreed tariffs in the event of changing political administrations.

The call participants expressed frustration over the perceived lack of transparency in the negotiation process, with industry insiders feeling uninformed compared to their U.S. counterparts. The discussions highlighted the complexities and stakes involved in the ongoing trade talks between Canada and the United States.