Carney says Canada-U.S. trade talks will remain with negotiators during G7 summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he does not expect to discuss Canada-U.S. trade issues directly with U.S. President Donald Trump when the two leaders meet on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France.

Speaking ahead of the leaders' meetings in Evian, Carney said ongoing trade discussions are being handled by Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Canada's chief trade negotiator, Janice Charette. According to the prime minister, continuing negotiations through the lead officials is the appropriate approach at this stage.

Carney said G7 leaders are expected to focus primarily on international issues, including the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical challenges facing member countries.

The comments come as a July 1 deadline approaches for the review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested the trade pact may not continue in its current form, raising uncertainty about the future of North American trade relations.

LeBlanc said he recently met with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and held constructive discussions aimed at addressing longstanding U.S. concerns. He added that further meetings between Canadian and American trade officials could take place during the G7 summit.