Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at a press conference in Ottawa on Friday. Getty Images
Prime Minister Mark Carney responded strongly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Canada’s election. Carney made it clear that Canadians alone will choose their next government. He also emphasized that trade negotiations with the U.S. will only happen when Canada is treated with proper respect.
At a press conference, Carney dismissed Trump’s claim that he had changed the course of Canada’s election. “Canadians will decide their next government,” Carney said. He insisted that no foreign leader would influence the country’s choice. Carney is expected to call for a snap election soon, and he believes that voters will consider which leader can best represent Canada in future trade talks with the U.S.
Carney stressed that Canada deserves to be treated as an independent nation in any trade discussions. “This isn’t a high bar,” he said, adding that the U.S. also benefits from fair negotiations.
Trump’s Claims on Canada’s Politics
Trump made headlines by claiming he had “totally changed” Canada’s political situation. He took credit for boosting the Liberal Party’s election chances, just days before Carney is set to launch his campaign.
Speaking from the White House, Trump suggested that the Conservative Party was leading before he got involved. He also stated that he would likely work better with Carney than with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Trump’s comments have fueled speculation about his influence on Canadian politics.
Trump also justified his tariffs on Canadian goods and criticized Canada’s military spending. He even questioned why Canada remains an independent country. “What a beautiful land mass,” he said, suggesting that Canada could have been part of the U.S.
Canada’s Strong Response
In Ottawa, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s office quickly responded. “Canada stands strong,” said her spokesperson Joanna Kanga. “Our sovereignty is not up for debate.”
Meanwhile, Carney met with provincial premiers to discuss Trump’s tariffs and how Canada should respond. The meeting came as all parties prepare for a closely contested election campaign. Just months ago, the Conservatives held a strong lead, but now polls suggest a tight race.
Liberal Party Developments
The Liberal Party made headlines by dropping its candidate in Nepean, where Chandra Arya had planned to run again. The party did not explain the decision, and Arya did not respond to media requests.
Meanwhile, veteran Liberal MP Kirsty Duncan announced she won’t seek re-election. Gun control advocate Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre, confirmed she will run for the Liberals in Quebec.
Carney’s Policy Moves
In his first week in office, Carney has started to break from Justin Trudeau’s policies. His government scrapped the controversial consumer carbon price, which Conservatives had criticized as a burden on Canadians. On Friday, Carney also abandoned a planned increase in capital gains taxes while keeping tax exemptions for businesses and individuals.
However, Conservatives argue that Carney’s leadership is just a continuation of Trudeau’s era. Poilievre accused the Liberals of harming Canada’s economy, blocking resources, and failing to stand up to the U.S.
Poilievre also announced a new plan to support trades workers, including increasing apprenticeship grants and training 350,000 new workers.
NDP’s Position
The NDP also weighed in on Trump’s threats. Campaign director Jennifer Howard said all parties agree on the need for retaliatory tariffs, but the NDP offers the best plan to protect Canadians. “This election is about who will really fight for people,” she said.
