Carney Says Canada Is Not Positioned for U.S. Deal by Nov. 3

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is not currently positioned to reach a trade deal with the United States before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, even as political-level discussions continue and officials report limited progress. Speaking Wednesday ahead of a Liberal caucus meeting, Carney said Ottawa would pursue an agreement that serves Canadian interests and also benefits the United States. He said the government was prepared to act if suitable terms emerged, but was not presently at a point where a deal could be reached before the election. The discussions have been taking place at the political level, with Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc leading Canada’s side, according to reporting on the negotiations. Canada’s lead negotiator, Janice Charette, said formal talks between trade representatives had not begun. The distinction leaves open whether the political contacts can advance to formal negotiations before the election. A Canadian government official familiar with the discussions described progress as limited. Carney had said earlier in the week that contacts had intensified. Reports also described the possibility of a tariff-related agreement, but no completed...