‘Trump respects strength': Ex-White House official says Canada must hold firm in trade talks
The United States has agreed on a trade framework with the European Union, but Canada is still without a deal and could face the threat of steep new U.S. tariffs as early as Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced an agreement Sunday that sets a 15 per cent tariff on most goods traded between the two economies. It is the latest in a series of agreements the U.S. has signed with allies including Japan, the U.K., and Vietnam.
Canada, meanwhile, remains under the threat of 35 per cent tariffs on exports, if an agreement isn't reached by Trump's Aug. 1 deadline.
The country is already facing U.S. levies on steel, aluminum, and automobiles. New tariffs on copper are expected to kick in next.
Former White House official Larry Haas says Ottawa has reason to be concerned.
'The tone between the United States and Canada is a lot more negative than the tone seems to be between the United States and the EU,' Haas said during an interview with CTV News Channel on Sunday.
'I think both countries... are preparing for the very strong possibility that we're going to get tariffs.'
Haas said the deadline could still shift, depending on economic signals.
'Trump has backed away from other deadlines when it came to tariffs,' he said.
'If we approach August 1 and these tariffs are looming, and the stock market all of a sudden becomes shaky, I could envision another extension.'
Canada has taken steps to respond to U.S. pressure, including boosting border inspections and cancelling a digital services tax.
Still, Haas says the Canadian government faces a difficult negotiating environment.
'President Trump respects strength as opposed to weakness,' he said.
'Canada needs to make clear to the United States that it's not going to take just any deal.'
Haas said tariffs are not a 'formula for long-term economic growth,' but not 'Canadian officials or anyone else is going to talk President Trump out of his fondness for tariffs.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Toronto Sun
12 minutes ago
- Toronto Sun
B.C. forestry executive warns against cutting bad deal after U.S. raises tariffs
Published Aug 01, 2025 • 1 minute read Softwood lumber is pictured at Tolko Industries in Heffley Creek, B.C., Sunday, April, 1, 2018. Photo by Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS VICTORIA — An executive in British Columbia's forestry industry says Canada should stand up to the United States, even after U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 35 per cent from 25 per cent on some goods. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association of British Columbia, says being 'kowtowed and pushed over' is neither good for Canada nor the United States. Menzies says 'people respect people who stand up for what's important for them,' and if Canada does not stand up now, it won't be in a 'strong position to advocate for what's important.' Menzies' comments come after Trump had announced tariffs of 35 per cent on all Canadian goods outside the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on free trade. A statement from Premier David Eby's office says he remains focused on protecting workers and businesses in B.C. from the 'deeply harmful tariffs' imposed by Trump's administration. The statement says that Eby supports the federal government's efforts to get a 'good deal' for Canada, adding that he looks forward to speaking to Prime Minister Carney about the situation. Read More Canada Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays World Celebrity
Winnipeg Free Press
12 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
B.C. forestry executive warns against cutting bad deal after U.S. raises tariffs
VICTORIA – An executive in British Columbia's forestry industry says Canada should stand up to the United States, even after U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs to 35 per cent from 25 per cent on some goods. Brian Menzies, executive director of the Independent Wood Processors Association of British Columbia, says being 'kowtowed and pushed over' is neither good for Canada nor the United States. Menzies says 'people respect people who stand up for what's important for them,' and if Canada does not stand up now, it won't be in a 'strong position to advocate for what's important.' Menzies' comments come after Trump had announced tariffs of 35 per cent on all Canadian goods outside the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on free trade. A statement from Premier David Eby's office says he remains focused on protecting workers and businesses in B.C. from the 'deeply harmful tariffs' imposed by Trump's administration. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. The statement says that Eby supports the federal government's efforts to get a 'good deal' for Canada, adding that he looks forward to speaking to Prime Minister Carney about the situation. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2025.
The Market Online
12 minutes ago
- The Market Online
@ the Bell: Canadian markets slide under new tariffs
Canada's top stock index declined on Friday as investors reacted to US President Donald Trump's newly announced tariff measures, which target Canada and numerous other countries. Market sentiment was further dampened by the updated tariffs, which took effect at the August 1st deadline. These duties now range from 10 per cent to 41 per cent. Goods also rerouted through third countries to bypass the tariffs will be hit with an extra 40 per cent levy, according to the White House. The biggest shock to markets was the increase in tariffs on Canadian imports—rising to 35 per cent from the previous 25 per cent—despite Canada being one of the US's largest trading partners. US stocks also came under pressure as August trading began, with investors grappling with signs of economic slowdown and the implications of Trump's revised tariff policy. Tech stocks were particularly hard hit. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) shares plunged more than 8 per cent after the company issued weaker-than-expected operating income guidance for the current quarter. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) also saw its stock fall 2.5 per cent, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings and revenue. The July jobs report showed non-farm payrolls expanded by just 73,000 in July. The Canadian dollar traded for 72.48 cents US compared to 72.19 cents US on Thursday. US crude futures traded US$1.98 lower at US$67.28 a barrel, and the Brent contract lost US$2.16 to US$69.54 a barrel. The price of gold was up US$62.01 to US$3,359.93. In world markets, the Nikkei was down 270.22 points to ¥40,799.60, the Hang Seng was down 265.52 points to HK$24,507.81, the FTSE was down 64.23 points to ₤9,068.58, and the DAX was down 639.50 points to €23,425.97. Stockhouse does not provide investment advice or recommendations. All investment decisions should be made based on your own research and consultation with a registered investment professional. The issuer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For full disclaimer information, please click here .
