July 22, 2026
Opinion: Canada’s approach should be more proactive to U.S. tariff negotiations
This op-ed was on Jul. 21, 2026.
As the latest U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports renew questions about Canada's strategy in trade negotiations, Tim Sargent and Fen Osler Hampson argue in an op-ed for the Globe and Mail that Canada should adopt a more proactive negotiating strategy as the defensive approach has, so far, not prevented additional tariffs.
Sargent, the new Director of Economic Growth and Prosperity at the School of Public Policy, and Osler Hampson contend Canada's current strategy has stalled negotiations. They say Ottawa's refusal to discuss key U.S. concerns until tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobiles are lifted has created an impasse.
They urge Canada to be prepared to make targeted concessions in areas, such as supply management, while remaining firm on issues they consider critical, including protecting Canada's automotive sector.
As Canada enters the next phase of negotiations, the op-ed recommends Prime Minister Mark Carney take a more aggressive negotiating strategy that clearly identifies where Canadian and American interests align and where they diverge as it would better position Canada as trade talks intensify.