Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on 27 March that the old model of close economic and security cooperation with the United States is over and the country is no longer a reliable partner for Canada
“I reject any attempt to weaken Canada,” Carney said at a press conference in Ottawa. He said Canada was preparing tough trade measures in response, commenting on the 25 per cent duties imposed by the US on car imports since early April.
Against the backdrop of the trade war, Carney emphasised that Canada must “dramatically reduce its dependence on the United States”, renegotiate the safe and trade agreement with Washington and refocus on other markets.
Carney said Trump had initiated a phone call during which he would remind the U.S. leader that “co-operation and respect for sovereignty are the foundation of the partnership.”
“It is clear that the US is no longer a reliable partner. It is possible that through comprehensive negotiations we can restore an element of trust,” he said.
US President Donald Trump has previously publicly hinted at the possibility of annexing Canada as the 51st US state. He has also said that even harsher tariffs would be imposed against the countries if Canada and the EU take concerted action against the USA.
Mark Carney, 59, was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on 14 March.