New Canadian Prime Minister Rejects the Possibility of Being 'Part' of the US
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ruled out a merger with the United States and said he would seek to resolve trade tensions with Washington.
In his inaugural address at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 15, Carney stressed that Canada would not become part of the United States. His remarks were in response to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, in which Trump reiterated his view that “Canada can only function effectively as a state of the United States” and defended his decision to impose tariffs on the neighboring country.
“We will never, in any way, become part of the United States,” Carney said, stressing that Canada and the United States are “two very different countries” both in nature and economically.
The Canadian prime minister also mentioned the importance of strengthening the economy and finding alternative trading partners, saying this would help strengthen Canada’s position in relations with the U.S. The Canadian government had previously imposed 25% tariffs on many U.S. imports in response to Washington’s decision to raise tariffs last month.
“A negative approach will not help us win trade tensions. Canada is a strong country with a united and determined government, and we will get to work immediately,” Carney said.
Carney was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Party last week, becoming the new prime minister after Justin Trudeau resigned. In his first speech in the new position, Carney pledged to maintain Canada's tariff policy until progress is made in negotiations with the United States.
