Carney says Canada will only sign a U.S. trade deal that includes viable auto sector

Prime Minister Mark Carney has revealed that Canada will only sign a trade deal with the United States if it includes provisions that maintain a viable auto sector. Speaking at a news conference in Manila, Carney emphasized that his government would not agree to a deal inconsistent with Canada's auto industry. This stance follows Canada's withdrawal from trade talks with the U.S. last month, after receiving demands from Washington that threatened the Canadian auto sector.

Carney highlighted the auto sector as one of the most challenging issues in the ongoing negotiations. He also discussed a recent conversation he had with U.S. President Donald Trump, involving officials from the U.S. Trade Representative and the President's chief of staff. Carney noted that the U.S. automotive market relies partially on Canadian manufacturing, and the industry faces challenges in terms of production speed and electrification.

He added that Chinese investment in Canada's auto sector is subject to a timeline and amount of vehicles, and will be reevaluated based on the country's integration into the U.S. automotive sector. Carney reiterated that Ottawa is dissatisfied with the current situation regarding Stellantis, a Canadian automaker that failed to meet its obligations when it signed a deal to sell its Brampton, Ontario assembly plant to defence contractor Roshel.