PM Carney to meet with President Trump in Washington on Tuesday
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to have a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday to discuss trade and security. The announcement was made during a news conference on Friday morning, marking Carney’s first media appearance since the Liberals emerged victorious in Monday’s federal election.
Carney emphasized the importance of immediate engagement, highlighting his intention to navigate Canada through potential trade conflicts with the U.S. and Trump’s threats of annexation. Despite his campaign promise to prioritize negotiations with Trump, Carney noted that the meeting on Tuesday may not lead to an immediate resolution of the tariff issue.
In a light-hearted moment, Carney jokingly mentioned that there would be no quick resolution, comparing the situation to the election of a new pope. He reiterated his stance that the traditional relationship with the U.S. is shifting, prompting Canada to explore new trading alliances with other partners. The prime minister stressed the need for Canada to reduce its reliance on the U.S. and focus on strengthening its domestic economy.
Addressing other government priorities, Carney mentioned plans to introduce a tax cut by Canada Day and initiatives to accelerate housing construction. With the Liberals falling short of a majority in Parliament, Carney acknowledged the concerns of voters regarding the cost of living and crime, signaling his willingness to collaborate with opposition parties.
The absence of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre from the House of Commons raised speculation about a potential byelection. Alberta MP Damien Kurek offered to step aside to create an opportunity for Poilievre to run in his Battle River-Crowfoot riding. Carney assured that he would promptly trigger a byelection if requested, emphasizing transparency and fairness in the process.
When asked about the possibility of forming a governing agreement with the NDP, Carney promptly dismissed the idea, asserting that his government, despite being a minority, received a mandate from voters to advance its legislative agenda. He confirmed that the new cabinet would be sworn in on May 12, with Parliament reconvening on May 26. Additionally, King Charles is scheduled to travel to Ottawa to deliver the speech from the throne on May 27, marking a historic event as the last time a monarch did so was in 1977.
The upcoming meeting between Carney and Trump signifies a pivotal moment for Canada-U.S. relations, as both leaders seek to navigate complex trade dynamics and security challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
