Canada Says US Ties Have Become Weakness, Calls for Strategic Shift

(MENAFN) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Sunday that Canada’s traditionally close relationship with the United States has increasingly become a vulnerability, arguing that Ottawa must urgently adjust its economic direction.

In a video address titled “Forward Guidance,” Carney said the US has “fundamentally changed its approach to trade,” pointing to sharply increased tariffs that he compared to levels last seen during the Great Depression.

He said that “many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses,” adding that these are issues Canada must now actively correct.

Carney rejected the idea that the US will revert to its previous trade policies, stating, “Hope isn’t a plan, and nostalgia is not a strategy.” He warned against relying on expectations of a return to older economic conditions.

As stated by reports, he introduced a broader economic and national security plan aimed at reducing Canada’s dependence on its southern neighbor. The strategy, referred to as “Canada Strong,” focuses on attracting large-scale investment, integrating Canada’s internal provincial markets, developing new trade and energy routes, and expanding clean energy capacity.

He also said Canada has recently signed 20 new trade agreements across four continents within a year, arguing that the country “has what the world wants” in terms of global trade opportunities.

MENAFN20042026000045017640ID1111003394