On Thursday, the socialist Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, declared that the "old relationship" between Canada and the United States has come to an end and promised a renegotiation of the trade agreements between both countries, in response to the tariff threats from the U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney, who assumed the liberal leadership this month with 86% of the votes following the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, made these statements at a press conference in Ottawa after meeting with the provincial premiers of Canada.
Carney emphasized that the traditional relationship of economic integration and cooperation in security and defense with the United States was no longer viable. "The relationship we had with the United States, based on the deep integration of our economies and close cooperation in security and defense, has ended," he stated.
Carney asumió como primer ministro tras la renuncia del izquierdista Justin Trudeau
Although he didn't specify whether the relationship would change regarding the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was renegotiated during Trump's first term, Carney made it clear that a "essentially different relationship" between the two countries is on the horizon.
According to Carney, the United States' stance is marked by growing uncertainty, which forces Canada to rethink its trade and security strategies.
Trump's measures, such as the 25% tariffs on imported cars, have caused great concern in Canada, which fears that Trump's policies will harm its industry, despite Ottawa maintaining unfair and high tariffs against the United States for a long time.
Carney no especificó su demandaría cambios en las condiciones del USMCA
Carney stated that the Canadian government is ready to face the consequences of the tariffs and that Canada must "drastically reduce" its dependence on the United States.
"What is clear is that we have agency. We have power. We are the masters of our own house," he declared, emphasizing the need for Canada to take control of its destiny and seek new international alliances, especially with partners like France and the United Kingdom.
Trump, meanwhile, wrote on his Truth Social platform that Canada and the European Union would face "large-scale tariffs" if they worked together to cause "economic harm" to the United States.
In response to this warning, Carney highlighted that the tariffs imposed by Washington could lead to a "broad renegotiation" of the security and trade relations between the two countries.
El presidente Trump anticipó que daría una gran respuesta arancelaria contra aquellos que busquen infringir el daño económico a los Estados Unidos
The Canadian Prime Minister also mentioned that he is working on a strategy of "retaliatory trade actions" that will be announced after Trump makes an announcement on April 2 about his next steps.
Carney indicated that it is not wise to anticipate what measures his government will take, as the country is waiting to better understand the intentions of the United States.
Additionally, he added that the U.S. tariff strategy seems to focus on key sectors such as the automotive industry, lumber, steel and aluminum, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
Carney señaló que las medidas de Trump estaban enfocadas a sectores clave como el automotor
Carney made it clear that the Canadian government would not respond to each measure individually, but would adopt a comprehensive and coordinated response. "There is no silver bullet, no quick fix" in a trade war, he commented, warning Canadians that they must be prepared for a long period of uncertainty.
He also rejected any attempt to weaken Canada or impose economic or political dependence on the United States, saying that his government will not allow the United States to "own us."
Finally, Carney reiterated that his government also has domestic policies in place to mitigate the effects of the U.S. tariffs on Canadian workers and businesses.
El socialista Carney señaló que Canadá posee políticas internas para mitigar el efecto de los aranceles
