In a speech in New York on Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a “new partnership” with the United States to “make America great again.”
Carney said working closely with Canada in specific areas such as aluminum, automobiles and critical minerals will strengthen both countries at a time when the world is experiencing “disconnection” as the United States transforms its trade relationships.
As the trade war with the United States continues, Prime Minister Carney has pledged to double Canada’s exports to other markets over the next decade and signed more than 20 economic and security agreements last year.
At the time Carney spoke in New York, U.S. trade officials were in Mexico City to discuss an overhaul of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement with local officials. Canada is not included in the current discussion.
Following President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Canada as the 51st nation, Carney described the relationship between Canada and the United States as a “weakness that must be fixed” and said the United States has fundamentally changed its approach to trade and raised tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January, Carney referred to “American hegemony” and said increased integration with great powers had created “vulnerabilities to be exploited.” He called for middle powers to act together, adding: “Even if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”
Earlier this week, Prime Minister John Carney announced plans for Canada to buy military aircraft from Sweden, a move away from its previous reliance on U.S. manufacturers.
But in New York, the prime minister adopted a more conciliatory tone, describing the United States as “the most dynamic, resilient and inventive country the world has ever known.” He said America’s founding values of freedom, democracy, justice and openness “will continue to guide the future of our country and the world.”
Mr. Carney acknowledged that although the United States and Canada have had disputes, the two countries have always worked out problems, and that Canada’s greater independence would make it a better ally.
“In the midst of a global energy crisis, Canada is providing the United States with reliable power and critical minerals that fuel our growth,” Carney said.
Asked about his January trip to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, Carney said he had achieved a “very fundamental reset in the relationship.” Relations with China collapsed under his predecessor, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Carney said he personally told President Xi that as a rising power, China needs to take more responsibility for the global monetary and financial system, including the role of its currency.
“They need to approach this issue faster and more carefully,” Carney said. “We need to help them move away from the edge.”
