Canada’s chief negotiator blames U.S. over last-minute auto and language disputes in trade talks

In an exclusive interview, Canada’s chief negotiator Janice Charette contested U.S. statements that Canada’s last-minute demands on medium- and heavy-duty trucks and French-language streaming rules sank the trade talks. She maintained that automotive topics were on the agenda from Monday through Thursday and that the U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was not present at the negotiating table when the issue was raised.

Charette also said Canada was prepared to discuss financial obligations for streamers but would not compromise on French-language protections, despite U.S. claims to the contrary. Prime Minister Mark Carney blamed late U.S. demands for recalling negotiators to Ottawa, while U.S. officials argued the opposite. The dispute also touched on potential U.S. attempts to limit Canada’s future free-trade agreements on steel and aluminum.

Charette concluded that Canada’s “pens are down, but the door is open,” emphasizing a willingness to resume talks that respect Canadian sovereignty. The stalemate comes as Canada prepares to match new U.S. tariffs and deploys a $7.5 billion aid package for affected sectors.