Canadian Prime Minister Carney Criticizes U.S. Trade Tactics Amid Stalled Negotiations
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Prime Minister Mark Carney warned the United States to cease provocative rhetoric and focus on serious trade talks, saying proposed U.S. terms would undermine Canadian industries and sovereignty.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the Trump administration on Tuesday that it should stop using memes and “throwing shade,” and instead engage in serious trade negotiations. He said the United States’ current proposals could force Canadian industries to be wound down or become subsidiaries of American firms, and would threaten French-language and cultural protections.
Carney added that Washington’s demand for an “uncompetitive” deal on sectors such as autos, as well as limits on Canada’s future trade agreements, would be unacceptable. “We are not going to accept those terms,” he said, emphasizing Canada’s right to strike free-trade deals with any country it chooses.
The remarks came after trade talks collapsed on Aug. 21 and President Trump imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods. Canada plans to implement retaliatory tariffs on a similar value of U.S. imports starting Sept. 8, ranging from 15% to 50%.
Carney’s comments were made as the Liberal Party secured three special-election victories, bringing its seat total to 173 in the 343-member House of Commons, strengthening his position in the dispute with Washington.
“When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade and stop trying to be tough, and start being serious about having those discussions, we can have those discussions,” Carney said.
Political scientists noted that the rhetoric resonates strongly in Quebec, where concerns about language and cultural preservation are heightened.