Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade talks with the United States will restart “when it’s appropriate,” brushing off questions about when he last spoke with President Donald Trump. When asked, Carney responded, “Who cares? It’s a detail. I’ll talk to him again when it matters.”
Talks were paused last month after Trump took offence to an Ontario anti-tariff ad featuring former U.S. president Ronald Reagan. Speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, Carney suggested discussions could pick up again within the next two weeks.
Despite rising tensions, Trump has not yet added the extra 10% tariff he threatened on Canadian imports. Canada is still dealing with major levies, including a 35% general tariff, plus sector-specific charges such as 50% on metals and 25% on vehicles. Ottawa is pushing to reduce those costs.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s comments, saying Canadians hit hardest by tariffs deserve urgency.
With nearly 75% of Canadian exports going to the U.S., the economic impact remains significant. Carney is trying to diversify trade, recently announcing new progress with India and the UAE on trade deals and critical mineral partnerships.
He acknowledged that working with these countries can come with “friction,” but stressed they remain important partners for Canada.
(Source: BBC News)
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