Canada's New PM Carney Declares Talks with Trump Will Be 'On Our Terms'

Canada's Prime Minister insists on maintaining the country's dignity while pursuing mutually beneficial agreements.

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Canada's newly-elected Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that his administration will only engage in trade and security talks with US President Donald Trump on Canada's terms, emphasizing respect for Canadian sovereignty. Addressing the recent commentary by Trump suggesting Canada could become the "51st state," Carney firmly stated that such a notion is unrealistic and unacceptable, reinforcing that, "this is never, ever going to happen."

Carney's comments come on the heels of his historic election victory, where he underscored the importance of a serious dialogue with the US, contingent on mutual respect. As tensions have escalated following Trump's remarks and the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 25% tax on aluminum and steel, Carney highlighted the potential for a constructive economic and security partnership, provided that it honors Canadian interests.

The dynamics of US-Canada relations have shifted recently, with considerations of trade and tariffs playing critical roles amid America's broader trade war, which has already seen Canada retaliate with significant tariffs on American products. Carney illustrated Canada's vital economic relationship with the US, noting that about 75% of Canadian exports head south, while New York and several other states rely heavily on Canadian energy supplies.

As the new Prime Minister, Carney is leveraging his previous experience as a global banker, which included guiding Canada through the 2008 financial crisis, to navigate future dealings with Trump. He acknowledged that Canada's position as a dominant supplier supports not only the nation's economy but also influences multiple state economies across the United States.

Looking forward, Carney believes the upcoming G7 summit in June will be a critical moment for defining the future of the ongoing trade tension. He aims to use the summit as an opportunity to underscore the importance of collaboration among like-minded countries, potentially paving the way for a more cohesive strategy to address challenges posed by tariffs and trade barriers.

With a commitment to retaining Canada’s economic integrity, Prime Minister Carney's administration will approach future negotiations with a clear stance and a focus on strengthening parallel trading relationships with the European Union and the UK as well.