Prime Minister Mark Carney comments on Donald Trump 'terminating' trade talks with Canada

Toronto Star

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Prime Minister Mark Carney reacts to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that he is “terminating” trade talks with Canada by striking a balance between firmness and optimism. Carney says he is disappointed by the abrupt tone of Trump’s tweet but stresses that Canada remains ready to keep negotiating because a modernized agreement is in the best interest of workers and businesses on both sides of the border. He reminds reporters that the two economies are deeply integrated, with millions of jobs and entire supply chains depending on predictable cross-border trade.

Carney underscores that Canada will not sign a deal “at any price.” Key Canadian priorities—such as a fair dispute-resolution mechanism, protection for cultural industries and a balanced approach to dairy and agriculture—remain non-negotiable. While he calls Trump’s threat to walk away from the table unhelpful, he notes that such brinkmanship has been part of the U.S. strategy since the beginning of the talks and that Canada has stayed focused on substance rather than rhetoric.

The prime minister also highlights recent progress. Technical teams have narrowed gaps on auto-sector rules of origin, intellectual-property standards and labour protections, proving that constructive dialogue is still possible. Carney says Canada will continue working closely with American lawmakers, governors and business leaders who have made clear that terminating talks—and potentially NAFTA—would damage communities on both sides of the border.

Asked about timelines, Carney refuses to be pinned down by Washington’s deadlines or threats. He argues that rushing would risk a “bad deal” and reiterates that Parliament and the Canadian public expect any agreement to support middle-class prosperity, environmental standards and Indigenous economic participation. Until those benchmarks are met, Canada will hold its position while actively engaging U.S. counterparts prepared to negotiate in good faith.

Carney closes by thanking Canadian negotiators for their professionalism and by reassuring exporters, investors and workers that the government is prepared for all scenarios, including a possible end to NAFTA. Nonetheless, he remains confident that common sense and economic reality will eventually prevail, leading both countries back to the table to secure a stable, mutually beneficial trade framework.

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