Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that he maintains frequent communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, even amid the persistent trade conflict and some negative comments from officials in the Trump administration.
Carney indicated that his recent discussions with Trump have revolved around worldwide issues, particularly how the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran are affecting global energy and grain markets.
“In terms of fulfilling that [international] role, we are still collaborating with the United States. We are capable of compartmentalizing,” he remarked during a press briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Calgary on Thursday.
“I spoke with [Trump] recently, just in the past few days, about issues [in Ukraine], matters in Iran, and other global developments. That is part of our responsibility.”
During his remarks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned that a halt to the fighting between Russia and Ukraine could present a potential ‘shorter-term solution’ to global challenges regarding energy and agricultural access.
Negotiations regarding tariffs between Canada and the U.S. collapsed last month, with both nations assigning blame to one another.
In response, the U.S. imposed 50 percent tariffs on numerous Canadian products, prompting Canada to retaliate with new tariffs on U.S. imports of comparable value on Monday. The Trump administration reacted on Wednesday by declaring it would impose additional tariffs on certain Canadian imports and completely ban others later this month.
Carney did not specify whether his administration would implement further counter-tariffs on American goods.
“We are closely examining the actions that the Americans have recently announced,” he informed reporters later on Thursday.
Despite the stalled discussions, Carney expressed optimism that a deal with the U.S. is still achievable.
“Canada is always prepared to negotiate a fair agreement. We believe there remains a mutually advantageous deal for both Canada and the United States,” he stated at the press conference with Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney remarked on Thursday that the government is evaluating U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions, which include bans on Canadian imports such as most alcohol products and new 50 percent tariffs on a range of other items. ‘We fully recognize that these are significant for individual companies and sectors, and there’s a response needed,’ Carney stated.
Trump and several prominent members of his cabinet have criticized Canada in the media and online over the past few weeks.
The president notably chose to refer to Lake Ontario as “Lake America.”
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have both made disparaging remarks about the Canadian Armed Forces. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told the Financial Times that it is “unhinged” for Canadian officials to describe the administration’s tariffs as a trade war.
When questioned about some of the more derogatory comments from the Trump administration, Carney has responded by saying that they are “beneath their office.”
U.S. President Donald Trump lifted tariffs on certain Canadian goods, including toilet paper, cement, and salt. In 2024, Canada exported approximately $328 million worth of toilet paper, making it the largest international supplier of toilet paper to the U.S.
When asked about the reasons behind Trump’s continued criticism of Canada since negotiations broke down, Carney refrained from making assumptions.
“I cannot delve into the emotions of others. This matter transcends feelings; it pertains to Canada’s sovereignty,” he concluded.