Canada Suspends US Trade Talks After American Push to Weaken French Language Protections

Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended Canada-US trade negotiations on August 21 after American negotiators sought to weaken Quebec's French language protections under Bill 96 and Bill 109. Carney called the French language "rights," not an "irritant." The US imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian goods; Canada will retaliate on September 8. Quebec Premier Fréchette called the US demand a "red line."