Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected the latest U.S. trade proposal as a “bad deal.” He spoke to Canadians on Saturday after trade talks with Washington collapsed. Carney had ordered Canada’s negotiators back home on Friday. He said last-minute changes from the U.S. were unfair and economically damaging.
“We cannot accept what they offered and we will not give what they asked,” Carney said.
The dispute quickly moved from tense talks to a fresh tariff fight. The United States imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods early Saturday. The new duties affect products such as hockey equipment, electronics and building materials. Canada has promised a matching response. Carney said Ottawa would retaliate “dollar for dollar” to protect Canadian workers and businesses.
Meanwhile, Carney warned that the relationship between both countries has changed. “We’ve recognized from the start that America has changed,” he said. He also added,
“Sometimes, its signature is written in pencil.”
The Canadian leader said Washington “asked too much and offered too little.” He insisted Canada would not sacrifice its sovereignty or key industries for a deal.
For now, the trade dispute could create fresh pressure on businesses in both countries. Canada plans to introduce more support for affected workers and companies. Its first retaliatory tariffs are expected to begin on September 8.
The crisis also raises questions about future negotiations under the North American trade agreement. Still, Carney says Canada will keep building new markets beyond the United States.
