Canada’s Prime Minister-designate, Mark Carney, has signaled his willingness to renegotiate a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, but only if Canadian sovereignty is respected.Speaking at a steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, Carney criticized the latest U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, calling them “unjustified.” His remarks came as Canada announced C$29.8 billion ($20.7 billion) in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports.The trade dispute escalated after Trump imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, citing national security concerns. Canada, the largest foreign supplier of these materials to the U.S., faces significant economic exposure. In response, Canada’s new tariffs—taking effect Thursday—target a broad range of U.S. goods, from steel to consumer products.Carney, who will soon take over as prime minister following his Liberal Party’s decisive election victory, emphasized the need to renew and relaunch the economic partnership between the two nations. Meanwhile, Canada’s central bank has cut interest rates to cushion the economic impact.As tensions rise, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal officials are set to meet U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss the crisis. Carney remains firm in his stance: Canada is open to negotiations, but not at the cost of its sovereignty.
