OTTAWA, Ontario — Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is embarking on a diplomatic mission to Paris and London on Monday to secure alliances amidst the rising tensions caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticisms of Canada’s sovereignty and economic policies.
Carney’s decision to choose these historic capitals for his inaugural foreign visit pays homage to the countries that significantly influenced Canada’s development. During the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Carney emphasized the foundation of Canada on the union of French, English, and Indigenous heritages and asserted that Canada stands apart from America, pledging, “never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States.”
According to Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, Trump’s actions are a primary catalyst for this international outreach, overshadowing other pressing issues facing Carney.
In Paris, Carney is slated to hold discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and subsequently, in London, will engage with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. These meetings aim to enhance trade diversification and discuss potential joint strategies against Trump’s tariff policies. Additionally, Carney is scheduled to meet with King Charles III, acknowledging his position as Canada’s head of state. The visit to London also marks a sentimental return for Carney, a former governor of the Bank of England and the first non-Briton to occupy that prestigious post.
Following his European tour, Carney plans to visit Canada’s Arctic region to “reaffirm Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty” before heading back to Ottawa, where an election announcement is expected soon. Regarding a potential meeting with Trump, Carney has maintained openness, contingent on respect for Canadian sovereignty. Although a trip to Washington is not on the immediate agenda, Carney anticipates a phone conversation with the U.S. President in the near future.
The implementation of sweeping 25% tariffs by Trump and his rhetoric about annexing Canada as a 51st state have stirred discontent among Canadians, prompting some to boycott American products. In response to the trade tensions, the Canadian government is re-evaluating its interest in purchasing U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
Prior to the escalation of trade hostilities, Carney’s Liberal Party was on track for a significant electoral loss. However, Trump’s declarations of economic hostility and suggestions of annexation have bolstered the party’s chances, positioning Carney favorably in the political arena.
Robert Bothwell, a historian and international relations expert at the University of Toronto, believes Carney is justified in avoiding direct confrontation with Trump. Bothwell argues that visiting Washington often results in demeaning treatment without yielding constructive dialogue, as evidenced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s encounters.
Similarly, Daniel Béland, a political science scholar at McGill University in Montreal, underscores the necessity for Canada to pursue trade diversification to mitigate the effects of the trade war with the U.S., given that over 75% of Canadian exports are destined for American markets. Béland also highlights the significance of Arctic sovereignty, particularly in light of Trump’s associated rhetoric and the warming U.S.-Russia relations, which heighten concerns about control over the strategically vital Arctic region.
