Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that he remains in frequent communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the persistent trade tensions and some unfavorable comments from officials within the administration.
According to the prime minister, his recent discussions with Trump have primarily revolved around global issues, particularly the effects of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran on international energy and agricultural markets.
“Regarding our international responsibilities, we are still collaborating with the United States. We are able to compartmentalize,” he remarked during a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary on Thursday.
“I recently had a couple of discussions with [Trump] in the last few days concerning issues [in Ukraine], issues in Iran, and other global developments. This aligns with our responsibilities.”
During his appearance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could provide a ‘shorter-term solution’ to global challenges regarding energy and agricultural access.
Last month, negotiations over tariffs between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, leading to mutual accusations of blame.
The U.S. swiftly imposed 50 percent tariffs on numerous Canadian products, prompting Canada to respond with new tariffs on roughly the same value of U.S. imports on Monday. Subsequently, the Trump administration announced on Wednesday that it would impose additional tariffs on some Canadian goods and prohibit others later this month.
Carney did not disclose whether his administration would implement additional counter-tariffs on U.S. products.
“We are closely examining the measures recently announced by the Americans,” he informed reporters later on Thursday.
Despite the stalled discussions, Carney expressed his belief that a deal with the U.S. is still achievable.
“Canada is always prepared to reach a fair agreement. We believe there remains a mutually advantageous deal for both Canada and the United States,” he stated during the news conference alongside Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Thursday that the government is assessing U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions, which include bans on Canadian imports such as most alcohol products and new 50 percent tariffs on various other items. ‘We completely understand the impact these have on specific companies and sectors, and we will respond accordingly,’ Carney remarked.
In recent weeks, Trump and several of his key cabinet members have criticized Canada publicly and online.
The president notably chose to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have both mocked the Canadian Armed Forces. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the Financial Times that it is “unhinged” for Canadian leaders to describe the administration’s tariffs as a trade war.
When asked about some of the more unflattering comments made by the Trump administration, Carney has pushed back, stating they are “beneath their office.”
U.S. President Donald Trump lifted tariffs on specific Canadian goods, including toilet paper, cement, and salt. In 2024, Canada exported about $328 million worth of this product, making it the leading international supplier of toilet paper to the U.S.
When questioned about the reasons behind Trump’s ongoing disparagement of Canada since the breakdown of negotiations, Carney refrained from making any assumptions.
“I cannot delve into the minds of others and discern their feelings. This is not about emotions; it concerns Canada’s sovereignty,” he explained.