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Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video released by the Canadian government on Sunday, April 19, that Canada’s close economic relationship with the United States—once a strength—has become a weakness that the country must address promptly.
In a roughly ten-minute speech, Carney said the global environment is becoming “more dangerous and more divided,” and that the United States has “fundamentally changed its approach to trade,” including raising tariffs to the highest level since the Great Depression.
“Many advantages Canada previously enjoyed, based on close ties with the United States, have now become weaknesses. And that is the weakness we must overcome,” Carney said.
Carney said tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump have placed pressure on workers in Canada’s auto and steel sectors. He also said many companies are delaying investment plans due to persistent uncertainty.
Carney said the government is seeking to strengthen the economy by attracting more foreign investment and expanding trade ties with partners beyond the United States. He said he will regularly update the public on efforts to diversify economic relationships, reduce dependence on the United States, and defend Canada’s sovereignty.
“We cannot guarantee security if we ignore reality or downplay the real threats facing Canadians. I am committed not to sugarcoat the challenges ahead for our country,” Carney said.
He outlined additional priorities including:
Carney also argued that Canada cannot rely on a single foreign partner and said the country must manage domestic outcomes and build resilience against external shocks.
Carney said Canada has long been a “good neighbor,” standing with the United States in conflicts from Afghanistan to the two world wars. He said the United States has changed and Canada must respond accordingly, including by regaining control over security, borders, and its future.
“America has changed and we must respond accordingly. That means Canada must regain control over its security, borders and future,” he said.
The remarks came days after Carney’s party won additional seats in by-elections, strengthening its majority in Parliament. The opposition Conservatives have pressed for the completion of a trade deal with the United States—a pledge Carney made in last year’s election.
Separately, the first review of the USMCA is expected to take place in July. The USMCA was signed by Trump in 2020 during his first term to replace NAFTA.
Tensions between the United States and Canada have risen since Trump returned to the White House for a second term and raised tariffs on goods from Canada. The article notes that tariffs have been applied to Canadian exports including steel, aluminum, and autos.
It also says Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of annexing Canada and making it the 51st state of the United States.
Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick continued to criticize Canada as a difficult trading partner. He said USMCA is a “bad deal” and indicated the administration wants the agreement reviewed and even redesigned.
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