Prime Minister Carney: Canada Too Dependent on the U.S.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for reducing the country’s reliance on the United States, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties with trusted European allies.

"It is clear that our trade and security relations are overly dependent on the U.S. We must diversify. That is one of the reasons why my first visits were to Paris and London," Carney told reporters on March 17 after meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Carney’s first international trip as prime minister took him to France and the U.K. amid rising trade tensions with the U.S. Before arriving in London, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

Describing Canada as "the most European country outside of Europe," Carney stressed the need to deepen partnerships with European allies while maintaining a constructive relationship with the U.S. A senior Canadian official noted that Carney’s visit aimed to strengthen ties with France and the U.K., adding, "Canada is a good friend to the U.S., but everyone understands what’s happening."

During his inauguration, Carney stated that Canada was built on the foundations of three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British. He also reaffirmed that Canada is fundamentally different from the U.S. and "will never become part of America in any form."

Once Washington’s closest ally, Canada’s relationship with the U.S. deteriorated under President Donald Trump. The White House repeatedly threatened tariffs on Canadian imports and even suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state to avoid economic pressure.

(Source: AFP)