Canadian Prime Minister urges US to adopt constructive tone in trade talks

Canada's prime minister told reporters in Ottawa that the United States should cease what he described as "memes" and "shade" and engage in serious discussions on the stalled auto-tariff negotiations. He said the current U.S. stance, including demands over Canada’s trade partners and sovereignty, creates barriers to reaching an agreement and could lead to Canadian industries becoming subsidiaries of U.S. firms.

The Canadian government suspended the talks on Aug. 21, after which U.S. officials, including the president, posted critical comments on social media and renamed Lake Ontario as a symbolic gesture. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also posted mocking remarks about Canada.

Carney noted that the North American auto sector benefits from integrated production across Canada, the United States and Mexico, and that a mutually beneficial deal remains possible. He indicated that Canada will implement tariffs matching U.S. measures on Canadian steel and lumber starting Sept. 8, while leaving the door open for future negotiations.

U.S. officials have defended their approach, with a White House spokesperson stating that the United States is acting on its election mandate to prioritize American workers and businesses.