Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that he remains in frequent communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the current trade disputes and some negative comments from officials in the administration.
Carney indicated that their recent discussions have revolved around global matters, particularly the effects of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran on worldwide energy and grain markets.
“Regarding our role on the international stage, we continue to collaborate with the United States. We can compartmentalize our issues,” he remarked during a press briefing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary on Thursday.
“I had a conversation with [Trump] a few times in the last days, discussing matters related to [Ukraine], issues in Iran, and other global developments. That falls within our responsibilities.”
In a joint appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked that a halt to hostilities between Russia and Ukraine could provide a ‘shorter-term solution’ to global challenges in energy and agricultural access.
Negotiations over tariffs between Canada and the U.S. collapsed last month, with both parties blaming each other.
The U.S. quickly imposed 50 percent tariffs on numerous Canadian products, to which Canada retaliated on Monday with new tariffs on U.S. imports of roughly the same value. On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced that it would implement additional tariffs on certain Canadian imports and completely ban others later this month.
Carney did not indicate whether his government would impose additional counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.
“We are closely examining the actions recently announced by the Americans,” he informed reporters later on Thursday.
Despite the stalled negotiations, Carney expressed optimism that an agreement with the U.S. is still achievable.
“Canada is always prepared to reach a fair agreement. We are confident that a mutually beneficial deal for both Canada and the United States remains possible,” he stated during the press conference with Zelenskyy.
In recent weeks, Trump and several of his top officials have made disparaging comments about Canada in media outlets and online.
Notably, the president decided that his administration would refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have both criticized the Canadian Armed Forces. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer remarked to the Financial Times that it is “unhinged” for Canadian leaders to describe the administration’s tariffs as a trade war.
When pressed about some of the Trump administration’s more inappropriate comments, Carney responded that they are “beneath their office.”
U.S. President Donald Trump lifted tariffs on specific Canadian items, including toilet paper, cement, and salt. In 2024, Canada exported roughly $328 million worth of these products, making it the largest supplier of toilet paper to the U.S.
When asked why he believes Trump has continued to make negative remarks about Canada since the breakdown in negotiations, Carney refrained from speculation.
“I cannot delve into the minds of others to discern their feelings. This is not about emotions; it concerns Canada’s sovereignty,” he stated.
