Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed regret on Tuesday for his dismissive response to questions regarding his communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, acknowledging that he had made “a poor choice of words.” During the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Carney avoided disclosing the last time he spoke with Trump, responding with ‘who cares?’ when pushed for details.
In a subsequent statement, Carney clarified that discussions had taken place but emphasized his busy schedule and Trump’s other commitments. He indicated a willingness to reconnect with Trump at a more suitable time. When pressed again for specifics on their last conversation, Carney downplayed the significance, stating that it was a trivial detail and that they would engage in conversation when it held relevance.
Following criticism from the Opposition Conservatives, Carney issued an apology, emphasizing his commitment to admitting mistakes. He criticized Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, contrasting his own accountability with Poilievre’s election loss and underlined the importance of addressing substantial issues like the progress in structural matters.
The breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade talks last month was linked to Trump’s criticism of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s anti-tariff campaign invoking Ronald Reagan. Carney’s spokesperson mentioned potential plans for a trip to Washington to participate in the FIFA World Cup draw, jointly hosted by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in 2026. The draw, scheduled at the Kennedy Centre now overseen by Trump, will determine the group-stage matches for the tournament.
Poilievre criticized Carney’s response as a lack of seriousness in dealing with tariffs and a shift from a confrontational stance towards the U.S. He raised concerns about the impact on workers and the lack of tangible results from Carney’s international visits. Carney countered by highlighting trade achievements with Indonesia and potential investments from the United Arab Emirates, stressing positive economic prospects.
Anand, the Foreign Affairs Minister, lauded the significant commitment from the UAE as the “largest foreign investment in Canadian history.” Despite increased U.S. tariffs on certain Canadian exports, Carney highlighted the favorable tariff burden under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Minister Hodgson of Natural Resources promised additional relief for sectors affected by Trump’s protectionist policies, especially the forestry industry facing substantial tariffs and duties.
The ongoing efforts aim to support workers impacted by tariffs and ensure economic stability amidst trade challenges.