Carney to Trump: No one tells Canadians what to do

Strasbourg — Canada’s evolving partnership with the European Union (EU) is a beneficial development, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. This assertion came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential tariffs on EU goods if Canada became an associate member, a notion proposed by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her State of the Union address.

During a press conference following his speech at the European Parliament, Carney emphasized the positive nature of this alliance. He further stated that a stronger Canada would serve as a more effective partner for the United States.

Carney highlighted the unity among Canadians, stating that no one would dictate their language or the terms of their cultural agreements. This sentiment was particularly in response to reports that the U.S. administration had sought to interfere with the use of the French language in Quebec. While praising von der Leyen's initiative to propose Canada as the EU's first associate member, Carney noted that while he appreciated the ambition, the focus should be on the substance of the relationship.

When asked if he would prefer the title "Alliance for the Future" or "associate membership," Carney dismissed the distinction, stating that the EU's choice of terminology was a matter for Europe. What was more important, he stressed, was the collaborative effort they were undertaking.