Carney Urges Focus and Patience After Trump Ends Trade Talks
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada must remain focused on “things we can control” after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade negotiations between the two countries.
Carney made the comments Friday morning from the tarmac before departing for Asia on a trade mission to Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea — a trip aimed at diversifying Canada’s trade relationships amid growing tensions with Washington.
“For months we’ve stressed the importance of distinguishing what we can control and what we cannot,” Carney told reporters. “We can’t control U.S. trade policy, but we can build new markets and strengthen our own economy.”
The Prime Minister said Canada remains ready to resume discussions “when the Americans are ready,” emphasizing that “a lot of progress” had already been made prior to Trump’s announcement.
Trump Ends Talks After Ontario Ad Sparks Backlash
Trump’s decision followed an Ontario-produced TV ad that aired in parts of the U.S., criticizing American tariffs and featuring a quote from former president Ronald Reagan.
Calling the ad “egregious behaviour,” Trump said he viewed it as an attempt to influence U.S. policy and court rulings.
The reaction has triggered a wave of political and business responses in Canada. Unifor president Lana Payne called Trump’s move “fake outrage,” accusing him of sabotaging progress.
“You can’t negotiate from your knees,” Payne said. “Trump’s intention has always been to destroy our industrial base and bully Canada into economic submission.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford defended the ad campaign, saying Reagan “knew we are stronger together.”
“Canada and the U.S. are friends, neighbours and allies,” Ford said on X. “God bless Canada and God bless the United States.”
Meanwhile, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation issued a statement accusing Ontario of using and editing the remarks without permission and said it is “reviewing legal options.”
Political Reaction Across Canada
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s handling of the trade file, noting that the prime minister had promised a deal by July 21.
“Still no deal. Still no win,” Poilievre wrote on X. “Liberal elbows gone. U.S. tariffs up. Jobs headed south.”
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew expressed support for Ford’s approach, saying the ads were “good — keep them on TV.”
Business leaders, however, urged calm and long-term thinking amid the political noise.
“While every ebb and flow in this negotiation is closely watched, this is 3D chess,” said Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
“We need to focus on the long game — stable trade and predictability for business.”
A Shifting Trade Landscape
Carney’s office said Canada’s strategy is to move beyond reliance on a single trade partner and create a more resilient, multi-market economy.
“The global trade landscape is changing rapidly,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “Canada’s government is focused on transforming our economy from one reliant on one partner to one stronger and more globally connected.”
Trump’s tariffs have targeted several key Canadian sectors — steel, aluminum, lumber, and automotives — while the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Nov. 5 over whether the president can impose tariffs unilaterally under emergency powers.
Despite the uncertainty, Carney said Canada will stay the course.
“Our focus remains on building partnerships, not picking fights,” he said. “We’re ready to engage when the time is right.”
