New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday that U.S. President Donald Trump will eventually engage in comprehensive trade discussions with Canada, as Americans will bear the consequences of Trump’s trade war.
Carney emphasized that talks won’t take place “until we get the respect we deserve as a sovereign nation," adding that this should not be a difficult expectation to meet.
On Friday, Trump continued his frequent criticism of Canada, reiterating his view that the country should be the 51st U.S. state and claiming that the U.S. keeps Canada “afloat.”
“When I say they should be a state, I mean that,” Trump said.
Carney met with provincial leaders at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, where he announced relief measures for workers and businesses impacted by the trade conflict and outlined steps to accelerate resource projects.
Since taking office last Friday, Carney has yet to have a phone call with Trump. While Trump previously mocked former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by referring to him as "Governor Trudeau," he has not yet commented on Carney by name.
Carney stated that he seeks a broad discussion with the U.S. on trade and security, rather than negotiations focused solely on tariffs.
“In the end, Americans will suffer from their own trade policies. That’s why I am confident that a serious discussion will happen—with the respect and scope it deserves,” Carney said. “I’m ready whenever they are.”
Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and has threatened sweeping tariffs on all Canadian exports and other trade partners starting April 2.
Carney took office after winning the Liberal Party leadership following Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year. He is expected to initiate early parliamentary elections this Sunday, with voting anticipated before April 28.
The Liberals were on track for a significant electoral defeat this year until Trump’s trade war reshaped Canadian politics. His repeated attacks on Canada’s sovereignty have angered many Canadians, leading to boycotts of American goods and travel. This surge in national pride has boosted Liberal support in the polls.
Carney said Canada’s provincial premiers have agreed to develop a national trade and energy corridor to diversify trade.
This plan could include a pipeline from Alberta’s oil fields to Eastern Canada. While Quebec previously opposed such a project, Premier François Legault now suggests attitudes are shifting due to Trump’s threats. Carney noted that Quebec consumes about 350,000 barrels of oil daily, with 70% imported from the U.S.
“That’s not a sustainable situation for us. There is an opportunity for a pipeline, but we need social acceptance and Indigenous partnerships,” Carney said.
To accelerate infrastructure projects, the federal government will recognize provincial assessments. Canadian leaders also discussed swiftly removing internal trade barriers between provinces and the federal government.
Additionally, Carney announced that Ottawa will waive the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for workers affected by tariffs. Canadian businesses will also be allowed to temporarily defer income tax and sales tax payments to improve cash flow.