TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump will ultimately recognize Canada’s sovereignty and be prepared for extensive trade discussions due to the negative impacts of Trump’s trade war on American citizens.
Carney emphasized that conversations with Trump won’t commence “until we receive the respect we deserve as a sovereign nation. Just to clarify, this is not a high standard.”
On Friday, Trump continued his frequent criticisms of Canada, insisting that the nation ought to be the 51st state and claiming that the U.S. is “keeping Canada afloat.”
“When I say they should be a state, I genuinely mean that,” remarked the American president.
Carney convened with provincial leaders of Canada at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa to address issues arising from the trade war.
Having been sworn in last Friday, Carney has yet to engage in a phone call with Trump. Trump previously mocked Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, by referring to him as Governor Trudeau but has not mentioned Carney as of yet.
The new Prime Minister expressed his desire for a thorough dialogue regarding trade and security with the U.S. rather than just a single discussion on tariffs.
“Ultimately, Americans will face repercussions from U.S. trade actions, which is why I am confident that a discussion with the proper level of respect and scope will occur,” Carney stated. “I am prepared whenever they are.”
Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canada’s steel and aluminum and is threatening to introduce extensive tariffs on all Canadian products, as well as on all of America’s trade partners on April 2.
Carney ascended to the role of Prime Minister following a leadership contest within the Liberal Party, prompted by Trudeau’s decision to resign earlier this year. He is expected to initiate the process for early parliamentary elections this Sunday, with voting anticipated before April 28.
The governing Liberals seemed on track for a significant electoral defeat this year until Trump’s trade war shifted the dynamics of Canadian politics.
The almost daily assaults on Canada’s sovereignty have outraged Canadians, leading many to cancel trips to the U.S. and seek to avoid purchasing American products whenever possible. This rise in Canadian nationalism has led to an uptick in Liberal poll numbers.
In an effort to diversify trade, Carney noted that the provincial premiers have agreed to collaborate on a plan to establish a national trade and energy corridor. He mentioned that after initial discussions about responding to the tariffs, the premiers shifted their focus towards “nation-building,” aiming to expedite projects more than ever before.
This initiative includes exploring methods to enhance the transportation of energy and critical minerals, as well as discussions aimed at swiftly removing trade barriers between provinces and with the federal government.
Carney also announced that Ottawa plans to eliminate the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for individuals whose jobs are affected by the tariffs, and will temporarily allow Canadian businesses to defer income and sales tax payments to improve their liquidity.
