PM-Designate Carney Open to Meeting Trump—But Only If Canadian Sovereignty Is Respected

Prime Minister-Designate Mark Carney has made it clear that he is open to discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, but only if Canada’s sovereignty is acknowledged and respected. His remarks come amid escalating trade tensions between the two nations, with Trump ramping up his calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state—a stance that has drawn widespread condemnation from Canadians.

Carney emphasized the importance of maintaining a mutually beneficial economic relationship, stating, “I am ready to sit down with President Trump at the appropriate time, under conditions of mutual respect for Canadian sovereignty, to work towards a comprehensive trade agreement that benefits workers in both nations.”

Carney, who is set to be sworn in within days, addressed reporters at a Hamilton, Ontario, steel factory on Wednesday, responding to Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports. Canada, the largest foreign supplier of these metals to the U.S., has swiftly retaliated with its own countermeasures.

In direct response to the U.S. tariffs, Canada will impose retaliatory duties worth 29.8 billion Canadian dollars ($20.7 billion) starting Thursday. These tariffs will target steel and aluminum products as well as a range of U.S. goods, including computers, sports equipment, and water heaters, amounting to CA$14.2 billion ($9.9 billion).

Despite the heated trade standoff, Carney acknowledged Trump’s concerns over American jobs and fentanyl-related issues but firmly rejected the justification for the new tariffs, calling them “unjustified.”

“Today is a difficult day for Canada and the industry because of these unfair tariffs,” Carney said. “Workers on both sides of the border will benefit when we renew and relaunch what should be the strongest economic and security partnership in the world.”

Canada had already imposed 25% counter-tariffs on CA$30 billion ($20.8 billion) worth of U.S. imports on March 4, a measure initially taken in response to previous U.S. duties that Trump had temporarily delayed. However, with the latest tariff hike, Canada’s government has signaled its readiness to escalate countermeasures if necessary.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly criticized Trump’s approach, pointing out that this is the second wave of tariffs the U.S. has imposed under shifting justifications.

“The excuse for the first round was exaggerated concerns about border security, which we addressed,” Joly said. “Now, the claim is national security, despite the fact that Canadian steel and aluminum strengthen U.S. defense capabilities.”

Joly also highlighted Trump’s repeated rhetoric about annexing Canada, referencing his latest comment that the U.S.-Canada border is a “fictional line.” She described the move as economic coercion, adding, “The only constant in this trade war is Trump’s disrespectful push for Canada to become the 51st state.”

Trump has cited various reasons for his hardline stance, including Canada’s tariffs on U.S. dairy imports and fentanyl concerns. However, his push for annexation has sparked outrage among Canadians and strengthened national resolve against his administration’s aggressive trade policies.