Canada won’t negotiate trade talks with Trump yet

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke about the ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States on Friday. He believes U.S. President Donald Trump will eventually respect Canada and engage in serious trade discussions, especially as Americans begin to feel the effects of the trade war. Carney emphasized that talks will not begin until Canada is treated with respect as a sovereign nation. He made it clear that he is ready for negotiations whenever the U.S. is. Trump's recent comments have included claims that Canada should be the 51st state, which Carney found disrespectful. During a meeting with provincial leaders in Ottawa, Carney announced relief packages for workers and businesses impacted by the trade dispute. He also suggested speeding up resource projects to support Canada's economy. Carney, who recently took office, highlighted the need for broader discussions on trade and security rather than just tariff issues. Trump has imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and is threatening more tariffs on other Canadian products soon. This trade conflict has mobilized public sentiment in Canada, with many citizens choosing to avoid American goods and travel. In response to the situation, Carney and provincial leaders are working on a national trade and energy corridor to diversify trade routes. This may include a proposed oil pipeline from Alberta to Eastern Canada, despite Quebec’s previous opposition. Carney stressed the importance of collaboration with indigenous communities for this project. The Canadian government also plans to expedite projects by recognizing provincial assessments. They will temporarily waive the one-week waiting period for employment insurance for affected workers and allow businesses to defer tax payments to improve cash flow.