Will Canada’s Carney Stand Firm Against Trump? Analyzing His Shifting Stance

The trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. are heating up again. Recently, former President Donald Trump threatened a staggering 35% tariff on Canadian goods. This announcement comes amid ongoing trade discussions, leaving many uncertain about the future of these negotiations.

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is feeling the pressure. He promised to negotiate firmly, likening his approach to the assertiveness found in hockey. However, critics argue that recent concessions—like scrapping a planned Digital Services Tax (DST) in response to Trump’s threats—haven’t led to better outcomes.

Comments from Canadian commentators highlight this frustration. Robyn Urback noted that Carney’s strategy appears inconsistent, while political science professor Blayne Haggart criticized his quest for a “comprehensive” deal without clear benefits. Haggart believes that retreating on the DST achieved nothing positive.

Polling suggests that many Canadians still support Carney, but experts like Roland Paris caution that the real impact of these negotiations will only be clear once an agreement is settled. Paris acknowledges that Trump is a tough negotiator, which could mean political risks for Carney if he appears to concede too much.

Before the DST reversal, Canada had made other efforts to satisfy Trump, including a considerable investment in border security and appointing a “fentanyl czar.” Still, Trump continued to express concerns about drugs crossing the border.

In response to the tariff threats, Carney pledged to defend Canadian workers and businesses, emphasizing continued negotiations. Fortunately, the proposed tariffs won’t affect goods under the new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which governs most trade between the countries.

Despite these tensions, Canadians across the political spectrum are rallying against Trump’s tariff threats. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre underscored the need for unity in securing a fair deal.

Experts assert that Canada does wield some influence in this conversation. Fen Hampson, a professor of international affairs, reminded us that American consumers will ultimately bear the brunt of the tariffs. U.S. manufacturers also depend on Canadian products, suggesting there are limits to how far the U.S. can push without repercussions.

Carney is also exploring alternative partnerships, such as an arms deal with the European Union, to reduce Canada’s dependency on the U.S. In a recent statement, Canada’s industry minister, Melanie Joly, reinforced the government’s strategy, emphasizing that negotiating in public is not their style.

In this fluid scenario, patience appears crucial. Only time will reveal the long-term impact of these negotiations and whether Canada’s approach will lead to a favorable outcome against the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics.



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