Canada’s Close US Ties Now A Weakness, Says Mark Carney Amid Trade Tensions

Mintesinot Nigussie

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada’s deep economic dependence on the United States has shifted from an asset into a strategic vulnerability, as his government prepares for renewed trade tensions and a review of the continental trade agreement. In a video message released on Sunday, Carney warned that Canada could not assume stability from its largest trading partner, arguing that the country must adapt to ongoing disruption rather than expect it to subside.

Canada sends close to 70 per cent of its exports to the United States, leaving its economy tightly exposed to US trade policy shifts at a time when Washington has imposed tariffs on key sectors including steel, aluminium and automobiles. The United States is also due to review the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement this year, with officials in Washington signalling they are seeking substantial changes to the pact.

Carney linked the current period of uncertainty to broader questions of national resilience, saying Canada must strengthen its ability to respond independently to external pressure. His remarks included references to historical figures from the War of 1812, including British military leader Isaac Brock and Indigenous leader Tecumseh, who resisted US expansion during the conflict. Carney described their legacy as an example of Canada having faced external pressure in earlier periods of its history.

Holding a small toy soldier representing Brock, Carney said Canada’s present circumstances required similar resolve, noting that reliance on external stability could no longer be assumed. The comments come days after Carney secured a parliamentary majority for his Liberal government, a result he has said will strengthen Ottawa’s position in negotiations with Washington over trade and economic policy.

Carney said his government would continue to address economic and sovereignty-related challenges through regular public updates in the weeks and months ahead. “We cannot rely on the idea that conditions will simply stabilise,” he said in the address, adding that Canada must focus on strengthening its economic foundations and long-term autonomy.

Overall, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s statement that Canada’s close US ties have become a weakness amid trade tensions underscores the challenges facing the country as it navigates economic dependence and seeks greater strategic autonomy.