Carney Expresses Readiness to Meet Trump When Timing is Right
Incoming Canadian prime minister Mark Carney expresses his willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump under suitable conditions and recognizes the various concerns cited by the president for imposing tariffs on Canada recently.
Carney made these remarks during a visit to a steel factory in Hamilton, Ont., on March 12, the same day universal 25 percent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum took effect. In response, Ottawa announced nearly $30 billion worth of tariffs on U.S. goods.
“Today is a challenging day for Canada, and the industry due to these unjustified tariffs,” Carney stated, accompanied by Transport Minister Anita Anand and Liberal MPs, including Karina Gould.
Carney mentioned that the revenue from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs would support workers in affected industries, while also pledging to strengthen federal partnerships with the industry.
Canada also faced a 25 percent tariff in early March due to Trump’s worries about border security and fentanyl trafficking. Temporary exemptions were later granted for goods covered by the USMCA free trade deal.
“We understand and respect President Trump’s concerns for American workers and families,” he said. “We also acknowledge his worries about fentanyl, which is a significant issue in Canada as well.”
After Trump’s threats of border-related tariffs in November, Canada took several measures including investing in border security, naming a “fentanyl czar,” and designating drug cartels as terrorist groups.
Carney also mentioned his readiness to meet Trump at the right time and under conditions that respect Canadian sovereignty.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated on March 11 that Trump had not yet spoken with Carney, who won the Liberal leadership race on March 9.
Washington Trip
While a meeting between Trump and Carney is pending, two Canadian ministers and a provincial premier are heading to Washington for talks with top U.S. trade officials.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford are scheduled to meet with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
An announced meeting came after Ford and Lutnick discussed and resolved issues, including Trump’s threats to increase tariffs on Canada due to Ford’s actions.
Ford expressed gratitude for the resolution and appreciated the olive branch extended by Lutnick prior to the discussions.
Before his visit to Washington, Ford had a successful meeting with Carney and emphasized discussions on USMCA ahead of the reciprocal tariff deadline on April 2.
Finance Minister LeBlanc refuted claims of USMCA free trade negotiations during the week’s discussions, emphasizing the aim to address unjustified tariffs on steel and aluminum and ease trade tensions.
