Canadian negotiators were in Washington working to finalize an agreement with the United States that would stave off new tariffs and improve the terms of existing ones. The talks pressed on as Trump's midnight deadline loomed, lending urgency to the final stages of negotiation.

The prospective deal is aimed at shielding Canada from additional trade barriers while softening the conditions of measures already in effect. Negotiators on both sides have been working to settle the terms before the deadline passes, with the outcome expected to shape the trading relationship between the two countries.

Even if an agreement is reached, Mark Carney faces a tough sell back home. Securing a deal in Washington is only part of the challenge; the terms must also withstand scrutiny from Canadians, making the political path forward uncertain as the deadline approaches.