Readout - Prime Minister Carney meets with premiers to remove barriers and advance major projects Français
The Prime Minister updated the premiers on trade negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that the federal government remains focused on getting the best deal for Canadians. First Ministers are united on this. The Prime Minister also underscored recent federal measures to restrict and reduce steel imports into Canada, protect Canadian steel workers, catalyze domestic steel production, and prioritize the procurement of Canadian steel in government projects.
First Ministers discussed their ongoing work to get major projects built across the country, strengthening Canada's economic resilience. To that end, the Prime Minister shared that the Major Federal Projects Office and the Indigenous Advisory Council will be operational by Labour Day – acting as the point of contact for governments, proponents, and communities to submit their proposals. The Prime Minister will continue meeting with key stakeholders over the coming weeks to ensure big projects are built in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and to build one Canadian economy.
First Ministers also discussed the wildfire situation across Canada, and the Prime Minister emphasized the federal government's readiness to mobilize additional resources to protect and support Canadians.
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Cision Canada
3 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Windfall Mining Group inc. reaches a new milestone in its development in Quebec Français
MONTREAL, July 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Windfall Mining Group inc. (WMG), Canadian subsidiary of the global gold group Gold Fields Limited, announces today a series of key developments to support the advancement of the Windfall project and to strengthen its sustainable presence in Quebec. Set to become Canada's next major mining complex, the Windfall Project is located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay territory in Québec, 115 km east of Lebel-sur-Quévillon. Second Series of Responses to COMEX and Update of Key Studies for the Advancement of the Windfall Project WMG confirms the continuation of the environmental assessment process through the submission of the second series of responses to COMEX questions. This revision reflects the company's ESG performance standards, adapted to Canadian and Quebec regulatory requirements. "WMG remains committed to developing a low-carbon operation, including through its partnership with the Cree First Nation, positioning Windfall among the lowest carbon-intensity gold projects globally", said Mike Fraser, CEO of Gold Fields. "The update of our environmental impact assessment study with the submission of this second series of responses to COMEX demonstrates our commitment to advancing the Windfall project in accordance with the best practice environmental, social, and regulatory standards." added Andréanne Boisvert, Vice President, Environment and Community Relations. Visual Identity: The Lynx Gives Way to the Lion Following the full acquisition of the Windfall project in 2024, WMG is adopting the corporate group's visual identity. The company's transitional logo is being replaced by that of Gold Fields, marking the integration of the project into the global Gold Fields family, which operates across four continents. "This change reflects Gold Fields' long-term commitment to Canada and its intention to establish a sustainable strategic presence in Québec—one of the world's most respected mining jurisdictions—and across Canada", concluded Fraser. Strategic Appointment to Propel the Windfall Project GMW is also proud to announce the appointment of Sylvain Lessard as General Manager. A mining engineer by training, Mr. Lessard brings over 30 years of experience managing complex projects in Quebec, in Canada and internationally, particularly in the underground mining sector. Having assumed the role on June 16, 2025, Mr. Lessard brings a wealth of experience to lead operations at the site. About Gold Fields Gold Fields is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Chile, Ghana, South Africa and Peru, and one project in Canada. Its Australian assets span the world-renowned Goldfields mining region and employ more than 3,700 people in Western Australia. Our purpose is to create enduring value beyond mining by delivering positive and sustainable value for our employees, communities, and business partners. Our shares are listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and our American depositary shares trade on the New York Exchange (NYSE). Forward-looking statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this announcement may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "aim", "anticipate", "will", "would", "expect", "may", "could", "believe", "target", "estimate", "project" and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements, including among others, those relating to Gold Fields' future business strategy, development activities (including the permitting, development and operations of the Windfall project) and other initiatives, business prospects, financial positions, production and operational guidance are necessary estimates reflecting the best judgement of the senior management of Gold Fields and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances and should be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth 3 in Gold Fields' Integrated Annual Report 2023 filed with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and annual report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on 28 March 2024 (SEC File no. 001-31318). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Gold Fields undertakes no obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. These forward-looking statements have not been reviewed or reported on by the Company's external auditors
Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Cision Canada
First National Financial Corporation agrees to be acquired by Birch Hill Equity Partners and Brookfield, with existing shareholders Stephen Smith and Moray Tawse maintaining minority ownership
TORONTO, July 27, 2025 /CNW/ - First National Financial Corporation (the "Company" or "First National") (TSX: FN) (TSX: (TSX: today announced that it has entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") with Regal Bidco Inc. (the "Purchaser"), a newly-formed acquisition vehicle controlled by private equity funds managed by Birch Hill Equity Partners Management Inc. ("Birch Hill") and private equity funds managed by Brookfield Asset Management ("Brookfield"), whereby the Purchaser will acquire all of the outstanding common shares (the "Shares") of the Company, other than the Rollover Shares (as defined below) (the "Transaction"), for $48.00 per Share in cash (the "Purchase Price"). As part of the Transaction, the Company's founders, Stephen Smith and Moray Tawse (together with their associates and affiliates, the "Rolling Shareholders"), who currently hold approximately 37.4% and 34.0%, respectively, of the outstanding Shares, will each sell approximately two-thirds of their current shareholdings in the Company for the same cash consideration per Share as other shareholders, and have agreed to exchange their remaining Shares (the "Rollover Shares") for ownership interests in the Purchaser. As a result, on closing of the Transaction, Messrs. Smith and Tawse are each expected to maintain an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National, with Birch Hill and Brookfield holding the remaining approximate 62% interest. The Transaction is not subject to any financing condition and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to obtaining the required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, of the Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") on July 25, 2025, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the Transaction. The Purchase Price is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of July 25, 2025 and represents a total shareholder return of approximately 2,149% on the Company's initial public offering Share price, including the Company's historical dividend payments. The Purchase Price implies an aggregate total equity value of approximately $2.9 billion, inclusive of the Rollover Shares, and values the Company at a 16.5x price-to-earnings multiple based on the Company's reported trailing twelve months net income attributable to common shareholders as of March 31, 2025. "This Transaction represents the start of an exciting new chapter for First National," said Jason Ellis, CEO of First National. "Birch Hill and Brookfield bring significant expertise in the Canadian financial services industry, and we are excited to partner with them to grow our platform, drive innovation, and deliver for our customers, employees and institutional partners." Transaction Details The Transaction emerged from a robust strategic review process conducted by the Company, under the oversight of a committee of independent directors (the "Special Committee") advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors. The review process involved a competitive process in which multiple acquisition proposals were received and reviewed by the Special Committee. The Company entered into the Arrangement Agreement based on the unanimous approval of the Company's board of directors (the "Board") (with conflicted directors abstaining) after receiving the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee. Both the Board and the Special Committee determined, after receiving financial and legal advice, that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and the consideration to be received by the holders of the Shares (the "Shareholders") (other than the Rolling Shareholders) is fair, and recommend that Shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. In connection with the Transaction, the Rolling Shareholders, who collectively hold approximately 71.4% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into irrevocable voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals. In addition, each of the other directors and executive officers of the Company, who collectively hold less than 1% of the outstanding Shares, have entered into voting agreements agreeing to vote their Shares in favour of the Transaction. Under the terms of the Transaction, the Class A Preference Shares, Series 1 (the "Series 1 Preferred Shares") and Class A Preference Shares, Series 2 (the "Series 2 Preferred Shares" and, together with the Series 1 Preferred Shares, the "Preferred Shares") of the Company are expected to remain outstanding in accordance with their terms following closing of the Transaction. The Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the TSX and, as a result, the Company will continue to be a reporting issuer under applicable Canadian securities laws following closing of the Transaction. The 2.961% Series 3 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 17, 2025, 7.293% Series 4 Senior Unsecured Notes due September 8, 2026 and the 6.261% Series 5 Senior Unsecured Notes due November 1, 2027 (collectively, the "Company Notes") will be redeemed on the closing of the Transaction to the extent outstanding at such time. Each holder of Company Notes outstanding at such time will receive a cash amount equal to the applicable redemption price, plus accrued and unpaid interest, as of the closing date in accordance with the terms of such holder's Company Notes. First National intends to continue paying its regular monthly cash dividend of $0.208334 per Share in the ordinary course through to closing of the Transaction and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares in accordance with their terms. Transaction Rationale The conclusions and recommendations of the Special Committee and the Board were based on a number of factors, including the following: Compelling Value and Immediate Liquidity to Shareholders: The all-cash Purchase Price provides Shareholders with certainty of value and immediate liquidity. The Purchase Price represents a premium of approximately 15.2% and 22.8% to the 30 and 90-trading day volume weighted average trading price, respectively, per Share as of July 25, 2025, and is also above the 52-week high closing price of the Shares as of that date. Market Check: The Transaction is the result of a robust strategic review process led by the Company's financial advisor, RBC Capital Markets, which included outreach to a broad pool of potential buyers and resulted in multiple acquisition proposals, of which the proposal submitted by the Purchaser offered the highest value to Shareholders. Formal Valuation: The Special Committee received an opinion from its independent valuator and financial advisor BMO Capital Markets ("BMO") that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. Fairness Opinion: The Special Committee received an opinion from BMO that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Arrangement Agreement Terms: The Arrangement Agreement is the result of a comprehensive negotiation process that was undertaken at arm's length with the oversight and participation of the Special Committee advised by independent and highly qualified legal and financial advisors and resulted in terms and conditions that are reasonable in the judgment of the Special Committee and the Board. Ability to Respond to Superior Proposal: Under the Arrangement Agreement, the Board of Directors, in certain circumstances until Shareholder approval is obtained, is able to consider any unsolicited acquisition proposals, and where the Board determines that an acquisition proposal is a superior proposal may, subject to a right to match in favour of the Purchaser, withdraw, modify or amend its recommendation that Shareholders vote to approve the Arrangement. However, under the Arrangement Agreement the Company is required to proceed with holding a vote on the Transaction, even if the Board has changed its recommendation. Break Fee: The break fee payable by the Company of $50 million is only payable in limited circumstances such as where the Arrangement Agreement is terminated as a result of a change in the Board's recommendation. Reverse Break Fee: The Company is entitled to a reverse break fee of $75 million in certain circumstances, including if the Arrangement Agreement is terminated by the Company as a result of the Purchaser's failure to close. No Financing Condition: The Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. Minority Vote and Court Approval: The Transaction must be approved by two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders, as well as by a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders excluding the Shares held by the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded from such vote in the context of a "business combination" pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), and by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Commercial List), which will consider the fairness and reasonableness of the Transaction to Shareholders. Support for the Transaction: As described above, the Rolling Shareholders as well as all of the directors and executive officers of the Company have entered into voting agreements, pursuant to which they have agreed to, among other things, vote in favour of the Transaction at the special meeting of Shareholders to be held to approve the Transaction. Formal Valuation and Fairness Opinion In connection with its review and consideration of the Transaction, the Special Committee engaged BMO as its independent valuator and financial advisor and requested that BMO prepare a formal valuation in accordance with MI 61-101. BMO delivered an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and based on BMO's analysis and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written valuation, the fair market value of the Shares is in the range of $44.00 to $50.00 per Share. In addition, BMO provided an oral opinion that, as of July 27, 2025, and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications to be set forth in BMO's written fairness opinion, the consideration to be received by Shareholders (other than the Rolling Shareholders) pursuant to the Transaction is fair, from a financial point of view, to such Shareholders. Additional Transaction Details The Transaction is to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Transaction is subject to a number of conditions customary for transactions of this nature, including, among others: (i) the approval of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Shareholders (including the Rolling Shareholders) at a special meeting of Shareholders; (ii) the approval of a simple majority of the votes cast by Shareholders other than the Rolling Shareholders and any other Shareholders required to be excluded pursuant to MI 61-101 at such special meeting; (iii) clearance under the Competition Act (Canada); and (iv) court approval. Completion of the Transaction is not subject to a financing condition. The Company expects to hold the special meeting of Shareholders to consider and vote on the Transaction in September 2025. If approved at the meeting, the Transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to court approval, Competition Act (Canada) clearance and other customary closing conditions. Following closing of the Transaction, the Purchaser intends to cause the Shares to be delisted from the TSX. The Preferred Shares will remain listed on the TSX. Jason Ellis is expected to remain First National's Chief Executive Officer and lead the business in all aspects of its operations. First National's current leadership team is also expected to continue following the conclusion of the Transaction. Further information regarding the terms and conditions of the Transaction are set out in the Arrangement Agreement, which will be publicly filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Additional information regarding the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the background to the Transaction, the independent valuation and fairness opinion and the rationale for the recommendation by the Special Committee and the Board will be provided in the information circular for the special meeting of Shareholders, which will also be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Early Warning Disclosure by the Rolling Shareholders Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Stephen Smith, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6, will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Stephen Smith, through Smith Financial Corporation ("SFC") and FNSC Holdings Inc. ("FNSC", and together with SFC, the "Smith Entities"), currently owns 22,409,355 of the issued and outstanding Shares representing approximately 37.4% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). SFC intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Stephen Smith will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Smith Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Stephen Smith's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Stephen Smith may be obtained by contacting: Justin Brenner, SVP, Managing Director, Smith Financial Corporation, [email protected], (647) 446-2122. Further to the requirements of National Instrument 62-104 – Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids and National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, Moray Tawse, 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6 will file an amended early warning report in connection with his participation in the Transaction as a Rolling Shareholder and for which he has entered into an irrevocable voting agreement agreeing to vote his Shares in favour of the Transaction and against any competing acquisition proposals, which agreement restricts the ability to vote for, support or participate in a competing transaction for as long as the Arrangement Agreement is in force and for a period of four months following the termination of the Arrangement Agreement in certain circumstances, including as a result of the failure to obtain the required Shareholder approval. Moray Tawse, through 801420 Ontario Limited ("Tawse Holdco") and The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation (The Tawse Family Charitable Foundation together with Tawse Holdco, the "Tawse Entities"), currently owns 20,404,355 Shares representing approximately 34.0% of the issued and outstanding Shares (on a fully diluted basis). Tawse Holdco intends to transfer ownership of its Rollover Shares to a newly formed Ontario limited partnership prior to closing of the Transaction in exchange for units of the partnership. Following completion of the Transaction, Moray Tawse will beneficially own an indirect approximate 19% interest in First National. The Tawse Entities hold Shares for investment purposes and expect to review from time to time the investment in the Company and may, depending on the market and other conditions: (i) acquire additional securities, options or related derivatives in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, and (ii) dispose of all or a portion of the securities, options or related derivatives over which they now or hereafter exercise, or may be deemed to exercise, control or direct. A copy of Moray Tawse's related early warning report will be filed with the applicable securities commissions and will be filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Further information and a copy of the early warning report of Moray Tawse may be obtained by contacting: Eric Torelli, Chief Financial Officer, Chambertin Asset Management Ltd., [email protected], (416) 994-7507. The Company's head office address is 16 York Street, Suite 1900, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 0E6. Advisors RBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor to the Company. BMO Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and independent valuator to the Special Committee. Torys LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Company. Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is acting as legal advisor to the Special Committee. CIBC Capital Markets is acting as financial advisor and Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP is acting as legal advisor to Birch Hill and Brookfield. Birch Hill and Brookfield's debt financing for the transaction was fully underwritten by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, RBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities, as Joint Bookrunners and Co-Lead Arrangers. Initial commitments were also provided by The Bank of Nova Scotia and National Bank of Canada, and will be followed by a general syndication. About First National First National Financial Corporation is the parent company of First National Financial LP, a Canadian-based originator, underwriter and servicer of predominantly prime residential (single-family and multi-unit) and commercial mortgages. With more than $155 billion in mortgages under administration, First National is one of Canada's largest non-bank mortgage originators and underwriters. For more information, please visit About Birch Hill Birch Hill is a Canadian mid-market private equity firm with a long history of driving growth in its portfolio companies and delivering returns to its investors. Based in Toronto, Birch Hill currently has over $6 billion in capital under management. Since 1994, the firm has made 73 investments, with 59 fully realized. Today, Birch Hill's 14 partner companies collectively represent one of Canada's largest corporate entities with over $8 billion in total revenue and more than 40,000 employees. About Brookfield Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) is a leading global alternative asset manager with over US$1 trillion of assets under management. Brookfield invests client capital for the long term with a focus on real assets and essential service businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Brookfield offers a range of alternative investment products to investors around the world — including public and private pension plans, endowments and foundations, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, insurance companies and private wealth investors. Brookfield's private equity business, which manages over US$145 billion of assets under management, focuses on driving operational transformation in businesses providing essential products and services. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of terms such as "may", "will, "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements with respect to the Transaction, including statements with respect to the rationale of the Special Committee and the Board for entering into the Arrangement Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement, the premium to be received by Shareholders, the expected benefits of the Transaction, the intention to continue to pay monthly dividends on the Shares and regular quarterly dividends on the Preferred Shares, the anticipated timing and the various steps to be completed in connection with the Transaction, including receipt of Shareholder, court and regulatory approvals, the anticipated timing for closing of the Transaction, the anticipated delisting of the Shares from the TSX, the anticipated treatment of the Preferred Shares and the Company Notes and the Company's status as a reporting issuer under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of this news release, are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from those indicated by the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the possibility that the Transaction will not be completed on the terms and conditions, or on the timing, currently contemplated, and that it may not be completed at all due to a failure to obtain or satisfy, in a timely manner or otherwise, required shareholder and court approvals and other conditions of closing necessary to complete the Transaction or for other reasons; the possibility of adverse reactions or changes in business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; risks relating to the retention of key personnel during the interim period; the possibility of litigation relating to the Transaction; risks related to the diversion of management's attention from the Company's ongoing business operations; and the other risk factors identified under "Risks and Uncertainties Affecting the Business" in the Company's latest management's discussion and analysis and in other periodic filings that the Company has made and may make in the future with the securities commissions or similar regulatory authorities in Canada, all of which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company. However, such risk factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this release and is subject to change after such date. Management and First National disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under securities laws.
Globe and Mail
5 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
U.S. and European Union reach trade pact that sets 15-per-cent tariff on EU goods
The United States struck a framework trade deal with the European Union Sunday that imposes a 15-per-cent U.S. import tariff on most EU goods, including autos, and leaves 50-per-cent levies on steel and aluminum shipments from the continent. The announcement came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to western Scotland for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at his golf course there. Ms. von der Leyen said the agreed-upon 15-per-cent tariff applies 'across the board' to U.S.-bound shipments from the EU. The deal, while short on details, also includes a commitment by the EU to make US$600-billion of investments in the United States, and to make significant purchases of U.S. energy and military equipment. 'It's a huge deal. It will bring stability. It will bring predictability,' she said. The Editorial Board: Trump's tariff shakedown takes shape The agreement largely mirrors a framework deal that the U.S. clinched with Japan last week, where Japanese automobiles will face a 15-per-cent U.S. tariff but U.S. steel and aluminum levies of 50 per cent remain in place. And it arrives at a critical moment in Canada's own trade negotiations with the Trump administration. Prime Minister Mark Carney faces an Aug. 1 deadline to strike a deal before the White House raises an existing tariff on Canadian goods. Mr. Carney and Mr. Trump have both signalled that a deal by the beginning of next month may not happen, with Mr. Carney saying he will accept only the best deal for Canada. On the U.S.-EU deal, Mr. Trump said: 'We are agreeing that the tariff ... for automobiles and everything else will be a straight across tariff of 15 per cent. Steel is staying the way it is – that's a worldwide thing,' the U.S. President said of his tariffs on foreign steel. Mr. Trump, who is seeking to reorder the global economy and reduce decades-old U.S. trade deficits with trading partners, has so far also signed agreements with Britain, Indonesia and Vietnam. By comparison, the trade deal the President struck with Britain in May would see British cars subject to a 10-per-cent tariff up to 100,000 vehicles and on shipments above, a 25-per-cent rate. Mr. Trump talked up the new agreement as 'the biggest of all the deals,' with total trade between the U.S. and the EU totalling US$976-billion in 2024, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Given the size of this relationship, the agreement could set a precedent for future U.S. deals, including with Canada. Opinion: Canada, we've already got Trump's best trade deal Since returning to office earlier this year, Mr. Trump has hit Canada with a string of tariffs: 50 per cent on steel and aluminum; 25 per cent on autos; and 25 per cent on any goods traded outside the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, with the exception of oil, gas and potash, at 10 per cent. He has threatened to increase the non-USMCA tariff to 35 per cent if there is no deal by Aug. 1. William Pellerin, a partner with McMillan LLP's international trade group, said the fact that Mr. Trump doesn't appear to be cutting steel and aluminum tariffs, or agreeing to lower baseline tariffs with key trading partners, is not a good sign for Canada. The details of recent deals 'show that the tariffs are stickier than we might have anticipated, even for developed economies and close U.S. allies, which is certainly a bit of a bad omen in some ways for Canada,' Mr. Pellerin said. He said the silver lining for Canada is it 'doesn't look like anyone's going to get better market access to the United States than Canada, even if we do get stuck with a baseline tariff.' Goldy Hyder, president of the Business Council of Canada, said Canada and Mexico are in a different position from other countries. This is both because of the White House rationale for the 25-per-cent tariff on most Canadian and Mexican goods – Mr. Trump cited illegal fentanyl smuggling as one reason – and because of the exemption for products traded in compliance with the USMCA. Campbell Clark: Mark Carney faces the politics of concession Japan and the European Union did not qualify for a USMCA-style exemption and therefore had to 'buy down' tariffs with major commitments to purchase U.S. goods or make investments in the United States, he noted. Mr. Hyder said Canada needs to preserve its special access under the USMCA, which is up for renegotiation in 2026, or possibly sooner. 'Our goal has to be keeping the exemption, and that means preserving and extending the USMCA must be our top priority.' There are some significant trade differences between Canada and the EU – and they work in Canada's favour. For one, Canada is the top destination for U.S. goods exports, according to the USTR, bringing in US$349-billion worth of American goods in 2024. Canada also has a much smaller trade surplus with the U.S. than the EU. Mr. Trump has taken particular issue with such imbalances, which he considers unfair − even when they benefit American consumers. Canada also has an intricately linked supply chain with the U.S. in multiple industries, including automobiles and energy, with many products shipped back and forth across the Canada-U.S. border many times before they are sold to end users. The two countries also have an existing trade agreement, the USMCA, which Mr. Trump negotiated during his first term. Throughout months of talks, European officials threatened reciprocal tariffs on the U.S. and prepared a retaliatory package of tariffs of up to 30 per cent against €92-billion worth of U.S. exports. In the end, however, the EU will not retaliate, despite now facing 15-per-cent tariffs across most goods. Explaining her rationale, the EU's Ms. von der Leyen told reporters that the deal will bring 'stability' and 'predictability.' Yet many key elements of the trade relationship between the U.S. and the EU remain uncertain. For now, Mr. Trump is maintaining his 50-per-cent tariff on steel. And while pharmaceuticals will initially fall under Sunday's 15-per-cent agreement, that is subject to change. More details are also needed on the purchase and investment promises. The EU agreed to purchase US$750-billion worth of American energy products and to also invest US$600-billion in the United States on top of existing expenditures, but it is not clear who will make these investments or how they will be enforced. A similar investment agreement was made by Japan when it announced its own trade deal with the U.S. last week. But within days, Japanese officials started pouring cold water on some of the terms. Mr. Trump had claimed that the U.S. would make 90 per cent of profits on Japanese investments into the U.S., but Japan later pushed back and said its understanding was that profits would be based on the contribution made, and the risk taken, by each party. Tony Keller: As Trump's tariff walls rise, Canada's negotiating leverage is shrinking While Mr. Trump remains far from his initial goal of signing 90 trade deals in 90 days, stock-market investors have been reassured that agreements with major developed countries and regions are finally coming in and that the 15-per-cent tariff rates with major economies are lower than the levels Mr. Trump had threatened during the negotiations. However, 15-per-cent tariffs are much higher than the equivalent rates at the start of the year, and it isn't clear yet who will absorb them − companies or American consumers − because so far, price increases have been muted after companies piled up inventory early in the year. There are signs, however, that some pain is coming − particularly in sectors that Mr. Trump has singled out, including automobiles and steel. Volkswagen reported earnings on Friday and said tariffs cost the company €1.3-billion over the first six months of the year, and that going forward, the German car maker is lowering its operating profit to a range of 4 per cent to 5 per cent for 2025, down from 5.5 per cent to 6.5 per cent.
