New Canadian Prime Minister Chooses Europe for First Official Trip

Amid rising trade tensions with the U.S., newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is making his first official overseas visit to France and the UK.

Carney, who took office earlier this month, arrived in Paris on March 17 as part of a diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening ties with European allies. The visit follows his inaugural address, where he emphasized that Canada was built on the foundation of three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British.

He also made a strong declaration of Canada’s independence from the U.S., stating:
"Canada is fundamentally different from the United States and will never become a part of it in any form."

Strategic Shift Amid U.S. Trade Disputes

A senior Canadian official told reporters that Carney’s trip reflects a desire to reinforce partnerships in Europe, adding:
"Canada is a good friend to the U.S., but everyone understands what’s happening right now."

During his trip, Carney will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron before traveling to London to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, the head of the Commonwealth of Nations.

For Carney, visiting the UK is a symbolic homecoming—before entering politics, he served as Governor of the Bank of England, becoming the first non-British person to hold the role in over 300 years.

No Immediate Plans to Visit Washington

While Carney has expressed willingness to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump, he emphasized that he would only engage if Trump respects Canada’s sovereignty.

"I have no plans to visit Washington at this time, but I look forward to speaking with the president soon," he said.

A Calculated Diplomatic Move

Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy described Carney’s choice of Europe over Washington as a strategic decision, explaining:

"This visit signals that responding to Trump is not just about confronting trade barriers—it’s also about opening new diplomatic and economic channels."

He also highlighted the Commonwealth’s 56 member nations as a potential avenue for expanding Canada’s trade ties.

"This is a prime example of soft power, something Trump does not understand," Axworthy added.

Rising U.S.-Canada Tensions

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened tariffs on Canadian imports, despite the long-standing alliance between the two countries.

He has also suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state to avoid economic pressure—a remark that has been met with strong resistance in Ottawa.

(Sources: The Guardian, CTV)

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