Carney says U.S. has backed off two trade demands as talks intensify

On November 3, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney said U.S. negotiators have backed off two positions: treating French-language protection laws as trade barriers, and limits on Ottawa's ability to sign trade deals with other countries. He said talks are making progress but "it's not over yet." He spoke in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.