US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer complained that “Canada is not making concessions in areas where we think they’re essential”. And, there was “some distance” between the two sides on NAFTA negotiations. Lighthizer added that “We’re going to go ahead with Mexico … If Canada comes along now, that would be the best. If Canada comes along later, then that’s what will happen.”
Lighthizer also noted “we’re sort of running out of time,” referring to the US-imposed deadline of October 1.
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland’s spokesman Adam Austen reiterated that “Our focus is the substance, not timelines. We will continue to negotiate with a view to getting a deal that is in Canada’s national interest.”
