Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney made a subtle jab at U.S. President Donald Trump in a statement about his need to find “reliable partners” in trade.
The newly elected leader of the incumbent Liberal Party said Canada needed “new trade routes” in the wake of Trump’s aggressive tariff policy, which drastically increased taxes on Canadian goods entering the U.S.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Carney recently replaced Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister, amid heightening tensions around tariffs with the U.S., its largest trade partner. He has previously called Trump’s trade policy “unjust” and has rejected calls by Trump to make Canada the 51st state.
Trump’s tariffs have resulted in a trade war between the two countries, and deepening political and ideological divisions have raised concerns about the future relationship between the longtime allies.
Getty Images
What To Know
In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Carney outlined his priorities as prime minister for the next few months, highlighting the search for alternative trade partners.
He wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I met with Premier Smith in my hometown of Edmonton today. We had a detailed and frank discussion about the opportunities for Alberta and Canada during this time of crisis.
“Canada is fighting for our workers and our businesses against unjust U.S. tariffs and in a rapidly changing global economy.
“My government is focused on working with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, businesses, and labor to build the future with millions of new homes, new energy corridors, new trade routes with reliable partners, and one Canadian economy. We have to be strong as a nation—and we are stronger when we can work together.”
The reference to “reliable partners” appears to be a dig at Trump, whom Carney has said needs to “show respect” to Canada as a sovereign nation before the trade dispute can be resolved.
For his first foreign trip since becoming prime minister, Carney went to Europe rather than to the United States, visiting Paris and London to discuss economic opportunities with world leaders there.
What People Are Saying
Mark Carney, a former governor of the Bank of England, said in February: “President Trump thinks we’re pushovers. He doesn’t know Canadians. We will stand up for our country. We will stand united. We will get stronger. Together.”
U.S. President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday: “I deal with every country, indirectly or directly. One of the nastiest countries to deal with is Canada … Trudeau—I call him Governor Trudeau—his people were nasty, and they weren’t telling the truth. They never told the truth.”
What Happens Next
The U.S. is set to impose a new wave of 25 percent tariffs against Canadian goods on April 2.
Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.
