Canada not near trade deal with U.S. before midterms, Carney says

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the government is “not at that position right now” in terms of reaching a trade deal with the U.S. before the midterm elections next week.

Asked by reporters Wednesday why he was willing to entertain a deal before the midterms — and whether Canada was being set up to be the “fall guys” by the U.S. administration if it loses — Carney said they’re after the right deal.

“We’re prepared to have a good deal for Canadians, the right deal for Canadians,” Carney said ahead of a Liberal caucus meeting.

“We think there’s deals that are in the best interest of Canada, first and foremost, but also are in the interest of the United States. That’s always been the case. We’ve been consistent. If those deals present themselves, we will pursue them, but we’re not at that position right now.”