Earlier, Carney had called the tariffs a very direct attack and vowed to protect Canada’s interests. He said, “We will defend our workers. We will defend our companies. We will defend our country.”
Following Trump’s announcement, Carney temporarily suspended his campaign for Canada’s April 28 election and returned to Ottawa for a cabinet meeting.
He stated, “The old relationship we had with the United States, built on deep economic integration and strong security and military cooperation, is over.”
In response to the tariffs, Carney announced a $1.4 billion strategic response fund aimed at safeguarding Canadian auto jobs impacted by the new trade measures. He emphasised the importance of the auto sector, which is Canada’s second-largest export, directly employing 125,000 Canadians and supporting nearly 500,000 more in related industries.
Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on vehicle imports to the US is set to take effect next week, posing a severe threat to Canada’s auto industry and its workforce.
“He wants to break us so America can own us. And it will never ever happen because we just don’t look out for ourselves we look out for each other,” Carney said.
The new prime minister, sworn in March 14, still hasn’t had a phone call with Trump. It is unusual for a US president and Canadian prime minister to go so long without talking after a new leader takes office.
“It would be appropriate that the president and I speak given the action that he has taken. I’m sure that will happen soon,” Carney said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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