Mark Carney tells US to ‘start being serious’ amid escalating trade war

Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada has rebuked the Trump administration, urging officials in Washington to "start being serious" amidst the escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada. Days before Canada is set to retaliate against U.S. tariffs with its own duties on American goods, Carney criticized U.S. officials for insulting his country, stating that their actions were "beneath their office."

He suggested that when the Americans stop engaging in memes, shade-throwing, and tough talk, they can then have productive discussions about trade. The tension between the two countries reached a new level when U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America, a move rejected by Canadians.

The U.S. trade representative, Jamie Greer, downplayed the potential disastrous effects of a US trade war with Canada, claiming that Canada is more vulnerable after the breakdown in talks, which led to sweeping tariffs from both nations. Canadian officials allege that American negotiators sought lighter taxes on heavy-duty trucks, while the White House blamed Canada's disagreement over who was directing the trade talks for the collapse of negotiations.