Carney Comments On Trump
Canada’s relationship with the United States has entered a period of severe disruption, with Prime Minister Mark Carney declaring on Thursday that the longstanding bilateral framework is effectively finished. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ottawa, Carney emphasized that Canada must now pivot away from its historical reliance on U.S. economic and security cooperation.
Carney’s remarks follow U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of expansive tariffs targeting Canada and the European Union. Trump’s latest proposal includes a 25% tariff on all vehicles and auto parts imported into the United States, a measure Carney described as a “direct attack” and a violation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
“The old relationship we had with the United States is over,” Carney stated. He warned that while future negotiations might restore some confidence, Canada will not return to the previous level of integration with the U.S. His administration is now focused on redefining Canada’s trade priorities, including strengthening ties with Europe.
Carney’s trip to France and the United Kingdom, his first as prime minister, was framed as a strategic move to establish alternative economic partnerships. He signaled that the government is preparing a comprehensive response, including retaliatory trade actions to be announced after Trump’s expected April 2 statement outlining additional U.S. measures.
NOW – Canada PM Carney to Trump: “We will respond forcefully, nothing is off the table to defend our workers and our country.”pic.twitter.com/DOBIVQzyer
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 27, 2025
Canada’s response strategy is being coordinated with Mexico, whose president also confirmed a post-April 2 announcement. Carney did not disclose specific countermeasures, but indicated that U.S. actions appear concentrated in five key sectors: automotive, lumber, steel and aluminum, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
“We will need to dramatically reduce our reliance on the United States,” Carney said, calling for an accelerated reorientation of Canada’s trade and security posture. He warned of difficult choices ahead and described the process as requiring action “at speeds we haven’t seen in generations.”
While Carney has no current plans to visit Washington, he confirmed that U.S. officials had initiated contact for a phone call in the coming days. He left open the possibility of future cabinet-level visits.
The prime minister also reinforced domestic support measures to mitigate the economic impact of potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian workers and industries. Closing his remarks, Carney reaffirmed his government’s stance: “We are masters in our own home.”