Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. However, he indicated that American tariffs affecting certain Canadian sectors are unlikely to be lifted in the near future. This conversation coincided with Canada's decision to remove most of its counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, a gesture aimed at encouraging Trump to reconsider tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Carney described his discussion with Trump as a "good conversation." He stated, "We spoke at length on a wide range of issues, including on trade, but geopolitical, other issues, labour issues, et cetera," while entering a cabinet meeting in the Greater Toronto Area.

During this time, Carney's new clerk of the Privy Council, Michael Sabia, is in Washington, D.C., meeting with American officials. Sabia's visit is part of a series of trips by Canadian officials, including senior cabinet members, aimed at influencing U.S. lawmakers regarding trade issues.

Carney noted, "Don't expect immediate white smoke on one of these strategic sectors. But that's the type of conversation that we're having and will continue to have as well."

Typically, the Prime Minister's Office releases summaries, known as readouts, after conversations with world leaders. However, no readout was provided for the recent discussion with Trump. Earlier this year, Canada imposed counter-duties on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods but recently lifted these duties on items covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

In response to the tariff situation, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the government's actions, calling them "yet another capitulation and climbdown by Mark Carney." The ongoing trade tensions continue to be a significant issue for both nations.