U.S. President Donald Trump must put an end to “disrespectful” comments about Canada before the two nations can engage in meaningful discussions about their future relationship, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Monday.
Trump, who has threatened severe tariffs on Canadian imports, has repeatedly joked about making Canada the 51st U.S. state—a remark that has drawn strong objections from Canadian officials.
“We’ve called out those comments. They’re disrespectful, they’re not helpful, and they … will have to stop before we sit down and have a conversation about our broader partnership with the United States,” Carney told reporters in London.
Carney’s Toughest Stance on Trump Yet
Carney’s comments represent his strongest rebuke of Trump since entering politics in January. Sworn in as prime minister last Friday, Carney has yet to speak with Trump, and the U.S. president has so far remained silent regarding Carney’s appointment.
Canadian PM Mark CarneyCanada Seeks a Comprehensive Agreement
During his press conference at Canada House in London, Carney expressed Canada’s desire for a broader negotiation on both economic and security matters between the two neighboring nations.
“When the United States is ready to have that conversation, we’re more than ready to sit down,” he stated.
Canada’s Retaliatory Tariffs
In response to Trump’s trade threats, Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs on tens of billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. goods. However, Carney emphasized that Ottawa’s actions will be calculated and strategic.
“So this will be very deliberate and there is a limit, full stop. There is a limit to matching these tariffs, dollar for dollar, given the fact that our economy is a tenth the size of the United States,” he explained.