Canada has welcomed a shift in the United States’ position on French-language protections and Canadian culture, while removing seafood products from its planned retaliatory tariffs against American goods.
Canada’s Minister responsible for US trade, Dominic LeBlanc, said Ottawa was encouraged by Washington’s decision to back away from concerns over the promotion and visibility of French-language content.
“Canada welcomes that the US is now withdrawing its positions on discoverability and labelling,” LeBlanc said, adding that Ottawa was also pleased that measures supporting French language and Canadian culture would not face future US trade action.
He said Canada was waiting for further clarification from Washington that could allow the two countries to return to negotiations.
Canada Plans Counter-Tariffs
The development comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two North American neighbours.
Canada recently announced retaliatory tariffs ranging from 15 to 50 percent on selected US products. The measures are scheduled to take effect on September 8.
The move follows new US tariffs of up to 50 percent on about $27.6 billion worth of Canadian goods, which came into effect on Saturday.
Trade negotiations between the countries broke down last Friday after Canada accused US negotiators of making demands that Ottawa considered unacceptable.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Washington had sought restrictions on Canada’s trade agreements with other countries and had raised concerns involving French-language protections and Quebec culture.
US Eases Concerns Over French Content
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the White House had raised concerns about how easily French-language content could be discovered on streaming platforms in Canada.
However, Greer stressed that the issue was not considered a major obstacle to reaching a broader trade agreement.
He said the United States understood that French-language protections were particularly sensitive and important to Canadians.
“There is no way we would let a good deal go by for something like this,” Greer said.
Seafood Removed From Tariff List
While Canada continues preparing its countermeasures, the government has decided to exempt fish and other seafood products from the planned tariffs.
Canada’s Department of Finance said the decision followed feedback from industries affected by the measures.
The department said it was continuing to consult Canadian businesses to determine whether the tariffs were achieving their intended purpose, particularly in sectors targeted by US trade restrictions.
Other American products, including railway construction materials and dishwashers, remain affected by the planned Canadian duties.
US States Could Feel The Impact
The seafood exemption could spare major fishing states such as Alaska and Maine from additional pressure ahead of the US midterm elections in November.
The trade dispute comes at a difficult time for American consumers, who are already dealing with higher energy costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
With tariffs continuing to affect businesses and consumers on both sides of the border, Canada and the United States face increasing pressure to return to the negotiating table.
For now, Ottawa appears willing to keep the door open for renewed talks, provided Washington offers further concessions on the outstanding issues.
