New Canadian Leader Signs Trade Talks With US

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday (21/3) stated that US President Donald Trump would eventually sit down together to negotiate trade negotiations. He argued that American consumers would be the most affected by the growing trade war due to Washington's policy.

"In the end, Americans themselves will be harmed by their trade actions," Carney said in a meeting with Canadian provincial leaders at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, to discuss the impact of the trade war. The statement quoted ABC News reports released on Saturday.

"That's one reason I'm sure that this conversation will happen with a proper level of respect and wide coverage. I'm ready whenever they are ready."

Carney, who was just sworn in last week, has not spoken directly to Trump. The US president has often criticized Canada, claiming that the US "protects Canada" and even calling the country the "51st US state."

When asked about Trump's statement, Carney dismissed it and insisted that trading talks would not happen "until we get a proper tribute as a sovereign country. And that's not a high standard."

The US has applied a 25 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum and has threatened to impose a wider tariff on all Canadian exports starting April 2.

In response, Carney and provincial leaders agreed to accelerate plans to build a national trade and energy corridor to increase the domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on the US market.

To reduce the economic impact, the Ottawa government will remove the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for workers affected by the tariff and provide temporary tax breaks for businesses experiencing liquidity difficulties.

Carney, who took over the leadership of the Liberal Party after Justin Trudeau's resignation. Canada is expected to start the early election process this weekend. The vote is scheduled to take place on April 28, 2025.