Amid rising tensions over trade, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared Thursday that the previous dynamic with the United States has ended, signaling a need to re-evaluate trade agreements.
Carney, 60, who recently secured the Liberal leadership with a significant majority following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, addressed reporters in Ottawa after a meeting with provincial premiers, focusing on the impact of President Trump’s new tariffs.
He stated, “The former relationship we shared with the United States, characterized by deepening economic integration and close security and military cooperation, is no longer in effect.” He further added, “The time will come when we must broadly renegotiate our security and trade arrangements.”
Carney’s comments did not specifically address the future of the USMCA agreement, which was previously renegotiated during Trump’s initial term.
Carney acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. actions.
However, he emphasized, “What is evident is that Canadians possess agency and power. We are in control of our own affairs. We determine our future and are capable of achieving far more than any external government, including the United States, could ever deprive us of.”
Trump’s tariffs and suggestions regarding Canada becoming the 51st state have caused unease among Canadian leaders and citizens.
On Wednesday, Trump announced intentions to impose a on imported vehicles, aiming to bolster the American automotive sector. He temporarily suspended tariffs on goods covered under the USMCA.