Carney and Trump holding direct talks on trade and security, U.S. envoy says [Video]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is holding direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump to iron out a framework for a trade and security agreement, the U.S. Ambassador to Canada says.

Pete Hoekstra told The Globe and Mail that talks between the leaders and top cabinet ministers are being held under a cone of silence to ensure a positive outcome.

The Prime Minister and the President met in the Oval Office on May 6 but there has been no indication until now that they had been holding direct negotiations.

“You have the relationship and the discussions between the President and the Prime Minister,” he said, adding “they have had conversations, more than just the Oval Office.”

 “The indications that they are talking and in communications regularly is a clear indicator to me that both sides recognize the importance and the urgency of moving this forward.”

The talks include Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson …