Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly responded to US President Donald Trump’s description of the Canadian government as “bad.” Speaking in Quebec, Carney said Ottawa was prioritizing trade talks, economic investment and the protection of Canadian workers.
Carney said communication channels with the United States remained open and that the negotiating team was continuing its work in Washington. He said he could speak with Trump easily when necessary, adding that he had spoken with the US president the previous week and that they could speak again in the future.
Canadian team holds detailed talks in Washington
Carney said Canada’s negotiating delegation was led by Dominic LeBlanc and chief negotiator Kirsten Hillman Charette, adding that Canada’s ambassador to the United States was also taking part in the process.
Carney said detailed and comprehensive talks were being held with US officials, describing the negotiations as difficult.
Emphasizing that Canada was not pursuing only one option, Carney said investments in sustainability and new export opportunities were being examined. He said Canada had signed more than 20 agreements worldwide and that countries wanted to trade with Canada.
Ottawa seeks a broad trade agreement
Carney said the Canadian government was prioritizing support for workers and businesses independently of political rhetoric, and shared data on the country’s economy.
Carney said employment in Canada was growing twice as fast as in the United States, adding that foreign direct investment was also increasing at twice the rate of Canada’s closest G7 rival.
Referring to US aluminum tariffs, Carney said Canada’s aluminum exports had increased despite the measures. He said Ottawa wanted a broader agreement covering aluminum, steel and automobiles rather than an agreement focused on a single sector.
Trump describes Canadian government as “bad”
Donald Trump described the Canadian government as “bad” at an event in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Trump said he loved the Canadian people but that the Canadian government was “bad.”
Last month, Washington announced an additional 50% tariff on some products from Canada. The measures covered various products, including wine, hockey sticks and cement.
