Prime Minister Mark Carney Outlines Priorities and Approach Ahead of Talks with Trump

In his inaugural news conference since the recent federal election, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney articulated his priorities, particularly regarding his forthcoming discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Carney’s election campaign was marked by his firm stance against Trump’s proposed tariffs and the president’s provocative assertions about making Canada the 51st U.S. state—a notion Carney has categorically dismissed, stating it will “never ever” happen.

The Liberal Party emerged from the election with 168 seats in Canada’s 343-seat House of Commons, sufficient to form a minority government, yet falling short of the 172 seats required for a majority. Carney’s new cabinet is set to be inaugurated the week of May 12.

Among the key takeaways from Carney’s Friday briefing:

• Carney is scheduled to meet with Trump at the White House on Tuesday, just over a week post-election. This visit comes at a time when relations between the two nations have been strained due to Trump’s tariffs and his controversial comments regarding Canada’s status.
• The Prime Minister highlighted that the upcoming talks will address two primary issues: the immediate concerns surrounding tariffs and the broader scope of Canada-U.S. relations. “My government will fight to get the best deal for Canada,” he asserted, indicating that there will be no haste in securing an agreement.
• Carney anticipates “difficult but constructive” discussions with Trump and aims to strengthen ties with “reliable” trading partners, referencing his recent dialogues with global leaders in Europe and Asia.

The election results underscored deep divisions within Canada, reflecting regional, demographic, and political disparities. In his remarks, Carney emphasized the need for national unity during this “once in a lifetime crisis.” “It’s time to come together, put on our Team Canada sweaters, and win big,” he stated, extending olive branches to Canadians who did not support his party as well as to political adversaries.

While the electorate expressed a desire for a robust response to Trump, they also conveyed a clear demand for reduced living costs and safer communities. “As Prime Minister, I’ve heard these messages loud and clear, and I will act on them with focus and determination,” Carney affirmed.

He expressed his willingness to collaborate across party lines, particularly with the Conservative Party, which, under leader Pierre Poilievre, emphasized cost of living and crime during its campaign. Although the Conservatives secured the position of Official Opposition, Poilievre lost his own seat in the Ottawa area. Carney indicated openness to facilitating a special election to allow Poilievre another opportunity to secure a seat if the Conservatives wish to pursue that route. “No games,” he remarked.

In a noteworthy development, an MP-elect in Alberta announced plans to resign from his secure Conservative seat to enable Poilievre to run, signaling ongoing political maneuvering within the opposition party.