Canada Halts Trade Talks as US Targets French Language Laws

Prime Minister Carney suspended Canada-US trade talks August 21 after American negotiators pushed to weaken Quebec's French language protections under Bills 96 and 109. Carney called French language rights non-negotiable. The US imposed 50% tariffs — taxes on imports — on Canadian goods; Canada retaliates September 8. Quebec Premier Fréchette called the US demand a "red line."