In the “psychological warfare” that is trade negotiation, Canada faces another U.S.-imposed deadline this week to conclude high-intensity NAFTA negotiations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has insisted repeatedly that no deal is better than a rushed bad deal, even as American officials push for a resolution as early as Thursday. Meanwhile, sources say U.S. officials have grown frustrated with Canada’s stubborn tactics, led by a taciturn but unflappable career negotiator. With lawmakers setting the rules, they could let talks grind on to the end of the month, or beyond, experts say. Canadian officials, led by veteran negotiator Steve Verheul, though, are bargaining hard, to the point of exasperating their American opposite numbers, he said.

Source: National Post September 17, 2018 23:34 UTC