Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that he and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to begin formal talks on redefining the economic and security relationship between the two nations. The pledge comes just as Trump temporarily eased trade tariffs for several countries—excluding Canada.
“The global economy welcomes today’s pause on reciprocal tariffs by President Trump,” Carney posted on X, referencing the 90-day suspension of broad trade duties by the White House. “Following Canada’s federal election, the President and I will launch negotiations for a new economic and security partnership,” he added.
Canada’s federal election is scheduled for April 28, and Carney’s Liberal Party is widely projected to retain power, setting the stage for continued leadership under the former central banker.
The tone of Carney’s latest remarks marked a sharp shift from his more confrontational approach just weeks ago. At the time, he sharply criticized Trump’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), vowing retaliatory action.
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A March 29 statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Carney told Trump Canada would introduce countermeasures in response to the additional tariffs announced on April 2. Soon after, Canada imposed its own 25% tariff on vehicle imports not protected under the USMCA.
Though Trump’s Wednesday announcement paused increased tariffs for many nations, the existing trade barriers on Canada, Mexico, and China remain unchanged. The U.S. also locked in a 10% tariff on most imports as part of the revised policy.
Carney acknowledged the complexity of the trade landscape moving forward, noting that the U.S. plans to pursue individual negotiations with several countries. “This could mark the beginning of a major shift in the architecture of global trade,” he wrote.
Highlighting the importance of diversification, Carney emphasized the need for Canada to strengthen ties with like-minded nations. “Canada must deepen our relationships with partners who value open trade, shared ideals, and innovation,” he stated. He concluded with a pointed message to voters: “The stakes have never been higher.”
