Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reiterated his government’s readiness for “constructive discussions” with the United States, after President Donald Trump abruptly ended trade negotiations in response to Ontario’s $75 million ad campaign that used former US President Ronald Reagan’s remarks to oppose tariffs.
“For months, we have stressed the importance of distinguishing things we can control and things we can't control,” Carney said on Friday before departing for Malaysia to attend the ASEAN Summit.
“We can't control the trade policy of the United States. We recognise that policy has fundamentally changed from the policy in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s,” he added.
Carney noted that Canadian negotiators had made “a lot of progress” in talks with their American counterparts, particularly in sectors like steel, aluminium, and energy.
“Our officials have been working with their American colleagues on detailed, constructive negotiations. We stand ready to pick up on that progress and build on that progress when the Americans are ready to have those discussions,” he said.
His comments came just hours after President Trump announced the end of all trade negotiations with Canada, citing a recent advertisement released by Ontario’s provincial government.
The video featured archival footage of former US President Ronald Reagan criticising tariffs, which Trump dismissed as “fake.”
“TARIFFS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ECONOMY, OF THE U.S.A.,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Based on their egregious behaviour, ALL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WITH CANADA ARE HEREBY TERMINATED.”
Trump further accused Canada of trying to “interfere with the decision of the US Supreme Court,” which is currently reviewing challenges to his tariff policies.
Following Trump’s remarks, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the province would suspend the controversial advertisement to allow “trade talks to resume.”
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said on Friday that Trump’s move reflected growing irritation with Canada’s stance in the trade talks.
“I think the President is very frustrated with Canada, and he has a right to be,” Hassett told Fox News, adding that Canadian negotiators had been “very difficult to negotiate with” and that “frustration has built up over time.”
Trump has already imposed a 35 per cent tariff on select Canadian exports and has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States.
