PARIS — Mark Carney, the new Prime Minister of Canada, embarked on his inaugural international visit, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron amidst ongoing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Canada’s sovereignty and economy.
This marks Carney’s first overseas journey since assuming office on March 14. Following his stop in Paris, he is scheduled to meet U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III in London, who is the ceremonial head of state for Canada.
The choice of destinations, Paris and London, is significant for the Canadian leader. These cities are embedded in Canada’s historical roots, representing both French and English influences, alongside the nation’s Indigenous heritage. During his inauguration, Carney emphasized Canada’s unique identity, distinct from the United States, affirming that Canada will never become part of it.
“I aspire for France and Europe to engage dynamically with Canada, a country that is deeply influenced by European values, while remaining decidedly North American,” Carney stated alongside Macron on Monday. However, during their joint appearance, no questions were taken, possibly to avoid vexing Trump.
President Macron spoke against tariffs, noting their inflationary impact but refrained from openly criticizing Trump’s stance on Canada. He highlighted, “We agree that equitable trade adhering to international regulations brings prosperity, contrary to tariffs that heighten inflation and disrupt economic links.”
Trump’s tenure has strained relations, as seen by the heavy tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum and offhand remarks about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, leading to a strong backlash from Canadians. He has additionally threatened to extend these tariffs to all Canadian goods come April.
During his visit, Carney also paid homage at the Notre-Dame Cathedral before his meeting at the French presidential palace. Macron reminisced about Canadian troops’ contributions during the world wars fought on French soil.
Daniel Béland, a political science scholar from McGill University, remarked on the symbolism of Carney’s itinerary, emphasizing Canada’s ties with its former colonial rulers — France and the United Kingdom — through institutions like the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.
Carney’s London visit also holds personal significance, as he once served as the first non-British governor of the Bank of England, a position he held from 2013 until 2020.
A visit to Washington is not currently in Carney’s plans. Though open to a meeting with Trump under the right circumstances, Carney plans a phone discussion instead, as tensions heighten with Trump’s trade war influencing Canada’s review of American-segmented military assets.
Meanwhile, Macron has advocated for reduced European reliance on American military equipment, aligning with Canada’s reconsideration of the U.S. F-35 fighter jets purchase. European governments increasingly debate their dependency on American military systems.
The topic of Ukraine was also part of Macron’s agenda, highlighting French-British security plans in the region while characterizing Canada and France as steadfast advocates for peace and allies in ongoing efforts.
Carney conversed with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy the night before and extended an invitation to the upcoming G7 summit hosted by Canada. Trump is eyeing discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on the Ukraine war’s closure.
As Carney anticipates calling a snap election shortly, slated for late April or early May, the political dynamic fluctuates. The Liberal Party, which he leads, appears to be gaining momentum due to the recent economic skirmishes initiated by Trump, potentially altering the electoral landscape in their favor.
