Carney responds to Trump’s latest Canada-U.S. trade deal comments: 'WHEN IT MAKES SENSE'
· Toronto Sun
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Is there light at the end of the tunnel for a trade deal between Canada and the United States? Prime Minister Mark Carney is hopeful.
The PM was asked for an update on negotiations with the U.S. during an interview with Bloomberg on Monday, after President Donald Trump said over the weekend that his administration could reach a trade deal with Canada “fairly soon.”
Tit for tat
Though Trump didn’t elaborate, Carney appeared optimistic but remained consistent in what he wants for the country — a “mutually advantageous” deal.
“One that respects our sovereignty, respects obviously the U.S. sovereignty, respects our cultural institutions, and that is a possibility,” Carney said. “We’re ready to sit down and negotiate that and move it forward.”
He added: “So, I welcome the president’s comments.”
It’s not about ‘pride’
When asked about who makes the first move to get negotiations moving again, Carney noted that from Canada’s perspective, it’s “not a pride thing.”
He explained: “We’re practical people that know what our bottom lines are, what our red lines are for sovereignty, for culture, not being restricted on our ability to sign other trade deals.”
The prime minister continued: “I think our American colleagues maybe, perhaps, understand those red lines a little more clearly now, given what’s happened. We’re ready to sit down.”
But as far as expanding trade with other countries, Canada is “not going to slow down,” Carney said.
The PM, along with other politicians and premiers, will be welcoming some of the world’s leading money managers to Toronto this week for the inaugural Canada Investment Summit — a bid to promote investing in the country.
Carney is then set to travel to France for talks on strengthening Canada’s relationship with the European Union.
When did things fall apart?
On Aug. 21, discussions between Canada and the U.S. crumbled over a deal that would have eliminated a number of Canadian trade restrictions while reducing U.S. tariffs on core Canadian sectors like steel and automotive.
The Americans claim Canada made last-minute changes that killed the trade deal, while Ottawa accused Washington of doing the same thing.
Despite the blame game, Carney said he welcomed Trump’s comments, adding that Canada is ready to listen to a deal that respects each side’s sovereignty and Canada’s cultural institutions.
“We’ll sit down when it makes sense,” Carney said.
“Canada and the U.S. have a very long relationship,” he added. “We sometimes go through periods where there are tensions in that relationship. Provided we continue this approach, we’ll come to some agreement at some point.”