A Dalhousie University political scientist says the fact that Donald Trump indicates he’s willing to make a deal on trade between Canada and the U.S. is encouraging, but what it actually means remains to be seen.

At this week’s G7 meetings in Alberta, Trump reiterated his commitment to tariffs as a trade tool, but acknowledged that Prime Minister Mark Carney has other ideas, and indicated he’s hoping to reach a deal in the next 30 days.

Lori Turnbull says it’s not clear if Trump is willing to drop tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S. or whether he’ll reduce them.

“Is it possible that he would lower the tariffs to something that wouldn’t be so punitive? Is it possible that there is some sort of offsetting measure?” but Turnbull says it’s difficult to think about how that would happen, because if there’s an offset to the 50 per cent aluminum and steel tariffs, then she questions, what other industry will be affected?

Trump left the G7 meetings early because of the escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran.