Prime Minister Mark Carney asserts that Canada is prepared to assume the mantle of global economic leadership, filling the void left by the U.S.
Prime Minister Carney has strongly criticized President Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, stating that Canada is ready to step up as the global economic leader in place of the U.S.
He made these comments on Thursday while announcing retaliatory measures in response to Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, including a 25% tariff on automobiles from Canada. Canada’s response includes tariffs on all vehicles and vehicle components imported from the U.S. that do not meet USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) requirements.
Trump introduced the new tariffs, ranging from 10% to 49% and impacting most countries, on Wednesday, calling it “liberation day.” He claims the move aims to correct America’s trade imbalance. Carney argues that this action will “rupture the global economy,” creating a situation that is “fundamentally different today than it was yesterday.”
“The global trade system anchored by the U.S., which Canada has relied on since World War II, is over. This system, while flawed, has delivered prosperity to our country for decades. Our long-standing relationship of increasing integration with the U.S. is over,” Carney stated.
Carney described this situation as a “tragedy” and “the new reality,” but maintained that Canada is prepared to take on “global economic leadership” in place of the U.S.
“Canada must seek to expand our trade, build our economy, and protect our sovereignty elsewhere. Canada is ready to lead in building a coalition of like-minded countries who share our values,” he said. “If the United States no longer wishes to lead, Canada will.”
Canada has become a primary target of Trump’s attacks on the current global trade system, with the U.S. President alleging that Washington has been “subsidizing” Ottawa by approximately $200 billion annually. He has repeatedly suggested that the best solution to their economic disagreements would be for Canada to become the “cherished” 51st state of the U.S.
While Canadian leaders have firmly rejected the annexation idea, public opinion polls show it is overwhelmingly unpopular. A recent YouGov poll indicated that 77% of Canadians strongly oppose it, with only about 15% supporting a merger with the U.S.
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