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PM Proposes “Fortress North” Deal; US Keeps Tariffs.

5/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has offers for a “Fortress North America” partnership with the United States.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said some tariffs on Canadian goods will stay and that no Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review negotiation dates are set.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Carney’s speech contradictory for claiming a U.S. rupture while pledging to “make America great again.”

History

Historical Context

Reagan’s 1979 campaign push for a North American market led Mulroney to negotiate the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, signed by President Reagan and Prime Minister Mulroney in 1988 and effective 1 January 1989, removing most tariffs. The deal dominated the 1988 election and set the stage for NAFTA, now revisited in CUSMA talks by Mark Carney, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada has offers for a “Fortress North America” partnership with the United States.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said some tariffs on Canadian goods will stay and that no Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review negotiation dates are set.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called Carney’s speech contradictory for claiming a U.S. rupture while pledging to “make America great again.”

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