U.S. Commerce Secretary Accuses Canada of Using Trade Talks for Political Gain

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has accused Canada of walking away from trade negotiations with the United States for political reasons rather than economic concerns.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, Lutnick claimed the two countries had been close to reaching what he described as their best-ever trade deal, with both sides feeling positive about the negotiations. However, he alleged that Canada backed away from the agreement to gain a political advantage ahead of Quebec’s upcoming election and a potential independence referendum in Alberta.

Lutnick also dismissed concerns over the protection of the French language, saying there was no such issue in the negotiations. He accused Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government of creating a dispute over language protection and using anti-American nationalism to strengthen its political position.

According to Lutnick, the Liberal government is also trying to prevent the separatist Parti Québécois from gaining ground in Quebec while preparing for a potential referendum vote in Alberta in October.

The comments come amid reports that Lutnick himself played a key role in the last-minute collapse of the Canada-U.S. trade talks. He has also been reported to have played a major role in delaying the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.