There are 3 steps Carney must take to get a truce from Trump

Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is gearing up for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. While Trump has expressed interest in striking a deal, the road to a comprehensive trade and security pact is paved with challenges.

The meeting, expected to take place in the near future, will set the stage for negotiations between the two countries. The three Ps – personnel, process, and policy – will play a critical role in determining the outcome of these talks. The key question is: who will lead the negotiations, what process will be followed, and what policies are up for discussion?

One key strategy proposed by Carney is to link the discussion on tariffs with broader security concerns. This approach aims to reset and restart the relationship between Canada and the United States, paving the way for tangible results.

The first step in this process is to assemble a team of key individuals who will spearhead the negotiations. This team will be responsible for defining Canada’s priorities and setting the tone for the discussions.

The next challenge lies in determining the process through which the negotiations will unfold. While the formal review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement is one option, it could take months to kick off. Alternatively, an informal arrangement or a combination of both could expedite the process.

When it comes to policy issues, Canada’s top priority is the removal of tariffs imposed by the U.S. Trump, on the other hand, has outlined demands related to Canada’s dairy system, digital-services tax, military spending, and auto supply chains. The prospect of aligning these interests under a broad package that addresses national security concerns, critical minerals, and energy supply is on the table.

One of the biggest challenges in these negotiations is rebuilding trust. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policy has left many countries wary of striking deals with the U.S. Canada’s efforts to comply with U.S. demands in the past have not always resulted in favorable outcomes, raising questions about the effectiveness of future negotiations.

Despite these challenges, there is optimism that a deal can be reached. Carney’s team will push for the swift removal of tariffs as a gesture of goodwill and a step towards building a more productive relationship with the U.S.

As the meeting between Carney and Trump approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome of these negotiations. The potential for a comprehensive trade and security pact hangs in the balance, with both countries hoping to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.