No negotiations with Canada right now: US trade rep

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed optimism that the United States and Canada could reach a mutually beneficial trade deal, but emphasized the need for President Donald Trump and his administration to display respect and take the negotiations seriously. Since the trade talks fell apart, Trump has not only imposed additional tariffs but also unleashed a barrage of social media tirades directed at Canada, which he perceives as long exploiting the U.S. on trade matters.

Even Trump's renaming of Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' and claims that Canada has nothing of value for the U.S. have added to the animosity. Secretary Pete Hegseth's distasteful social media post mocking female cadets at a training centre in Vernon, B.C., further aggravated the situation. Carney criticized the post as "beneath their office" and indicative of a nation that is not taking Canada seriously.

He urged the U.S. to stop "doing memes," "throwing shade," "trying to be tough," and start being serious about trade discussions. Carney also dismissed speculation linking Ontario Premier Doug Ford's remarks to the breakdown of trade talks, affirming that while premiers and labor play significant roles, the final decisions on trade lie with the Canadian government.

While optimistic about a potential deal, Carney was resolute in defending Canada's stance against terms that would subjugate core industries to U.S. influence or lead to their dismantling in Canada. Canada has retaliated with counter tariffs, but Carney remains hopeful that cooler heads may prevail and the mutually beneficial deal could be salvaged.