Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear that the long-standing relationship between Canada and the United States, built on economic integration and security cooperation, is over. His firm stance comes in response to US President Donald Trump’s latest trade measures, including a 25% tariff on non-US-made vehicles set to take effect on April 2.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Carney announced Canada’s firm resistance to Trump’s trade war, stating that his government would take retaliatory measures aimed at maximising economic consequences in the US while minimizing harm to Canadians. “We will not allow Trump to weaken Canada. We will fight, we will protect, and we will build,” Carney declared.

The Canadian auto industry, which supports an estimated 500,000 jobs, faces a significant threat from Trump’s new tariffs. In response, Carney unveiled a “strategic response fund” worth 2 billion Canadian dollars ($1.4 billion) to strengthen the country’s auto sector and shield it from the economic impact of US tariffs.

Carney also issued a stark warning to Canadians, emphasizing that Trump's actions have permanently altered the Canada-US relationship. “There is no turning back,” he said. “The deep economic integration and security cooperation we once shared are gone. Canada will not be bullied, nor will we allow our sovereignty to be questioned.”

Despite a planned phone call with Trump in the coming days, Carney has made it clear that Canada will not enter substantive trade negotiations with Washington unless the US government demonstrates respect for Canadian sovereignty. “Respect is non-negotiable,” he stated, rejecting Trump’s repeated annexation threats and calling for a comprehensive discussion that acknowledges Canada’s economic and security interests.

Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister on March 14, has taken a tougher stance against US policies than his predecessors. Unlike past Canadian leaders who prioritised early communication with the US president, Carney has maintained distance, sending a strong signal that Canada will not compromise its independence.

As the trade dispute escalates, Carney’s administration is preparing to take decisive action to protect Canadian workers and industries. “The old relationship is over. This is a new era for Canada—one where we stand firm, defend our interests, and refuse to be weakened by external forces,” he asserted. Carney reiterated that under his leadership, Canada will not let the US weaken its economy, industries, or sovereignty.

With tensions rising and the stakes higher than ever, Carney’s leadership signals a turning point in Canada-US relations, marking a future where Canada refuses to be pushed around on the global stage.

(With inputs from Syndicated feed)