Carney faces crucial test after walking away from Trump’s deal

The United States and Canada are experiencing an escalating trade war, with Prime Minister Mark Carney facing a crucial political test after choosing to walk away from a tentative deal with President Donald Trump. This decision marks Carney as one of the first world leaders to reject a negotiating table with the White House. Both sides have blamed last-minute changes for the collapse of the deal, with Carney stating that the US "asked too much" and "offered too little."

The outcome of Carney's decision will be closely watched by both nations. The trade dispute has caused economic pain for Canadians, as 70% of Canadian exports go to the US and the country is the top trading partner for several US states. Carney's recent French remarks emphasized that the spiralling trade dispute "wasn't our choice," and that Canada is strong, ready, and united.

Canadians have shown strong support for retaliating to US tariffs, with recent polls indicating that around 36% of Canadians would support such action and 56% want the federal government to take a hard line. Canada's provincial leaders, including British Columbia Premier David Eby and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have rallied behind Carney's decision, stating they will support the national project and fight against one-sided tariffs.

However, concerns remain about the future of future trade talks, including the ongoing review of the US-Mexico-Canada free trade pact.