Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that trade talks with the United States can resume only when Washington “starts being serious” and stops posting memes and insults.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa after Monday’s federal byelections, Carney said there is still room for a deal that is “mutually beneficial” and “respects Canadian sovereignty.”
“When the Americans stop doing memes, stop throwing shade, stop trying to be tough and start being serious about having those discussions, we can have those discussions,” he said. He called the recent U.S. rhetoric “not constructive.” Asked about cabinet officials mocking Canada’s military, he said those comments were “beneath their office.”
Negotiations collapsed on August 21. Canada walked away, saying U.S. demands came too late and went too far. Carney has said the American approach would have left key Canadian industries as subsidiaries of U.S. firms or on terms that would wind them down.
After talks ended, the United States imposed 50 per cent tariffs on a list of Canadian goods. The federal government put the affected Canadian exports at $27.6 billion. Some U.S. reporting has described the same package as about $20 billion US.
Canada said it will match those duties dollar for dollar. Counter-tariffs of 15, 25 and 50 per cent on a list of U.S. products — including steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, farm equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics — take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8. Existing Canadian duties on U.S. autos remain.
The war of words has continued. President Donald Trump signed an order last week directing the U.S. government to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” U.S. officials have also posted memes and comments aimed at Canada’s military. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mocked the idea of Canadian naval power. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted about Canadian cadets. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said there was not a better deal available for Canada.
Carney said a deal must also respect French-language and Quebec cultural protections. He added that the tone from Washington is “their democracy,” but not a basis for talks.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; CTV News; Politico; Government of Canada Department of Finance.
