‘No longer a reliable partner’: Canada ends ‘old relationship’ with US over tariff war – The Times of India

Newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a major shift in its relation with the US, emphasizing the need for the country to reduce its dependence on its neighbour declaring that the country’s “old relationship” between the two, “is over.”
This announcement was made after the imposition of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump.
“It’s clear the US is no longer a reliable partner. It is possible that with comprehensive negotiations, we could reestablish an element of confidence but there will be no going backwards.”
Speaking in Ottawa after consultations with provincial premiers, Carney also called for the need for Canada to reassess its economic and security ties with its southern neighbour, Fox news reported.
“The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperations, is over,” he said.
“The time will come for a broad renegotiation of our security and trade relationship.”
He also highlighted the necessity for a renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other bilateral arrangements, asserting that Canada’s future actions will be guided by its own sovereignty and interests.
The prime minister said that his government recognised the US tariff strategy as being centred on five key sectors: the automotive industry, lumber, steel and aluminium, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in response to President Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on all foreign-made cars, a move aimed at boosting the US auto industry but one that has significant implications for Canadian manufacturers.
‘Direct attack’ on Canada
Carney described the tariffs as a “direct attack” on Canada’s economy and pledged to implement retaliatory measures to protect Canadian workers and industries.
These “retaliatory trade actions,” will be revealed after Trump’s anticipated announcement on April 2 about the US’s next steps. “This is a negotiation,” Carney said.
“It wouldn’t be wise to reveal our plans in advance.”
Carney highlighted the importance of reducing Canada’s economic reliance on the United States and seeking new, reliable trading partners, “We will need to pivot our trade relationships elsewhere, and we will need to do things previously thought impossible at speeds we haven’t seen in generations.”
He announced plans to visit France and the United Kingdom to strengthen alliances and explore alternative trade opportunities.
“There’s even more to do, and that’s why I chose to go to France and the United Kingdom, two long standing and reliable partners, friends and allies of Canada,” he said.
Forceful response
Carney vowed a strong response to any trade aggression, saying, “We will respond forcefully. Nothing is off the table to defend our workers and our country.” He also cautioned Canadians that there is “no silver bullet” or “quick fix” in a trade war.
Rejecting any efforts to weaken Canada, he declared, “I reject any attempts to weaken Canada, to wear us down, to break us so that America can own us.” He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Canadian workers and businesses against the impact of expected US tariffs.
“We are masters in our own home,” Carney said, a phrase he uses frequently in public speeches.
Trump and Carney are set to hold a phone conversation in the coming days. The Canadian Prime Minister confirmed that the White House reached out on Wednesday night to arrange the call. While Carney, who took office less than two weeks ago, has no plans to visit Washington, he acknowledged that it is “possible” members of his cabinet may travel there, CNN reported.
The escalating trade tensions have fueled patriotic sentiment across Canada, with citizens rallying behind the government’s stance against US economic pressures.