Trump adviser blames the Alberta referendum for stalling a Canada-U.S. trade deal

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the two sides are "very close" to a deal, but that the referendum in Alberta had made it "essentially impossible to negotiate with the Canadians".

Newly hit by 50% tariffs

• Cocoa powder
• Vinyl flooring
• Shampoos

Days earlier the White House announced new 50-per-cent tariffs, taking effect at the end of the month, and dropped others.

And us?

A Canadian hardwood flooring maker says the new tariffs could devastate the sector. "Overnight, we're losing 25 per cent of our business," its CEO said.

— Jean-François Dufresne, CEO of Preverco

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc's office says Ottawa will assess the measures and stands ready to work in good faith toward a more mutually beneficial relationship.