Ontario rep says tariff threat shows Canada’s retaliation is being noticed

Ontario’s representative in Washington says U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 50% tariffs on hundreds of Canadian goods suggests the White House is paying attention to the impact of Canada’s retaliatory measures. David Paterson said U.S. officials appear increasingly frustrated by the effect of Canada’s tariffs and provincial alcohol restrictions on American industries, pointing in part to a drop in U.S. auto exports to Canada. He said that pressure may create an opening for more productive talks. The comments came as trade discussions between Canada and the U.S. intensified ahead of an Aug. 19 deadline for the proposed tariffs. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he spoke with Trump last week and that both sides agreed to deepen negotiations, while federal trade minister Dominic LeBlanc met with U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington this week.