The old relationship we had with the United States based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation is over,” Carney stated in Ottawa.
Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Thursday that the period of close military, economic, and security relations between the United States and Canada “is over,” following President Donald Trump’s announcement of high car tariffs.
Trump’s proposed 25 percent tax on U.S. auto imports, which is set to take effect next week, may have disastrous effects on Canada’s auto industry, which employs an estimated 500,000 people.
Following Trump’s declaration, Carney put a halt to his campaign ahead of Canada’s election on April 28 in order to return to Ottawa for a cabinet meeting to discuss strategies for the trade war with the US.
He referred to Trump’s auto tariffs as “unjustified,” claiming that they violated the two nations’ current trade agreements.
Regardless of any future trade agreements, he cautioned Canadians that Trump has irrevocably changed the country’s relationship with the United States and that there would be “no turning back.”
“We no longer have the same relationship with the United States that was founded on tight security and military cooperation, as well as growing economic integration,” Carney stated.
He threatened to respond against the vehicle tariffs from Canada.
“Our response to these latest tariffs is to fight, is to protect, is to build,” Carney stated.
We will use our own retaliatory trade actions to combat the US tariffs, with the greatest possible impact in the US and the least possible harm in Canada,” he continued.
On March 14, Carney took Justin Trudeau’s place as prime minister.
Trump and Carney have not spoken, despite the fact that a new Canadian leader usually makes calling the US president a top priority as soon as they take office.
The White House had contacted him to arrange a call, he said Thursday, and he anticipated speaking with Trump within the “next day or two.”
Carney has also stated that although he is open to speaking with Trump, he will not engage in meaningful trade talks with Washington until the president demonstrates “respect,” especially by ceasing his frequent threats of annexation.
There are two requirements, in my opinion—not necessarily for a call, but for a discussion with the US. Carney stated, “First respect, respect for our national sovereignty… apparently it’s a lot for him.”
“There has to be comprehensive discussion between the two of us, including with respect to our economy and our security,” he stated.
