Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly stated that Canada will only enter into trade and security talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on its own terms, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and protection of national sovereignty.
Speaking to the BBC as polling stations closed following a historic snap election victory for his Liberal Party, Carney said he would only travel to Washington for discussions that reflect Canada’s sovereign interests.
This comes amid growing tensions between Ottawa and Washington since Trump’s return to the White House, with the U.S. president repeatedly referring to Canada as “America’s 51st state”—a comment that has sparked outrage among Canadians.
“That will never happen,” Carney responded firmly when asked about Trump’s remark, rejecting any suggestion of diminished Canadian independence.
Carney’s assertive tone signals a more defiant stance from Ottawa as it navigates diplomatic ties with a renewed Trump administration, especially on critical issues like trade policy, defense cooperation, and cross-border governance.
