Carney back in Ottawa to convene Canada-U.S. relations committee as Trump promises tariffs
Liberal Leader Mark Carney has made the decision to pause his campaign and return to Ottawa in order to address the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed auto tariffs. Trump’s announcement of a new 25 per cent tariff on finished vehicles imported into the United States has sent shockwaves through the Canadian auto industry, which is a crucial sector for the country.
The auto industry in Canada is not only the largest manufacturing industry but also the second-largest source of exports to the U.S. after oil. Hundreds of thousands of Canadian jobs are directly linked to this sector, making it a key concern for Carney and his team.
In response to Trump’s announcement, Carney has hinted at potential retaliatory measures and has convened a committee on Canada-U.S. relations and national security to strategize a response. He has expressed his disappointment, calling Trump’s actions a betrayal of the trade agreement between the two countries.
Earlier in the day, Carney had promised a $2-billion package to protect Canada’s auto industry if he is elected on April 28. This move is seen as a proactive measure to safeguard the industry from potential economic repercussions.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Trump’s trade war, stating that it is detrimental to both countries’ economies. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has described Trump’s actions as a “full frontal attack on autoworkers,” highlighting the immediate impact on workers in the industry.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Carney is expected to return to the campaign trail after the morning meeting in Ottawa. The implications of Trump’s proposed auto tariffs are significant, and Carney’s swift action demonstrates his commitment to protecting Canada’s economic interests in the face of external threats.
