OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday that the long-standing era of close economic, security, and military relations between Canada and the United States has come to an end.
His remarks followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 25 percent tariff on all imported vehicles, a move that could severely impact Canada’s auto industry, which employs approximately 500,000 people.
Calling the tariffs “unjustified” and a violation of trade agreements, Carney pledged that Canada would respond with countermeasures aimed at minimizing domestic harm while maximizing pressure on the U.S. economy. “We will fight these tariffs, protect our industries, and build a stronger economic foundation for our country,” he stated.
The prime minister temporarily stepped away from his election campaign ahead of the April 28 vote to convene with his cabinet in Ottawa, strategizing responses to what he described as a trade war initiated by Washington.
Carney emphasized that Trump’s actions had permanently reshaped Canada-U.S. relations, warning there would be “no going back” to the previous model of close economic and security cooperation. “The deeply integrated relationship we once had is over,” he said.
Since taking office on March 14, Carney has yet to hold a direct conversation with Trump—an unusual situation for a newly elected Canadian leader. While the White House has reached out to arrange a discussion, Carney insisted he would only engage in serious trade talks if the U.S. president demonstrates “respect” for Canada’s sovereignty, including ceasing repeated threats of territorial annexation.
“For negotiations to happen, respect must come first—respect for Canada as a sovereign nation,” Carney asserted. “This isn’t just about trade; it’s about our economic future and security.”
