Prime Minister Mark Carney stood firm on Wednesday, insisting Canada holds the upper hand in tense trade talks with the United States. As Washington pushes new tariffs and demands concessions, Carney told reporters his government is steering toward a steadier, fairer partnership, one that protects Canadian jobs and keeps cross-border commerce flowing.
Critics have questioned recent compromises, including how toll revenue from the new Gordie Howe Bridge will be shared, and changes to digital taxes and streaming rules, according to Anadolu. Carney brushed aside doubts, pointing to the bridge as a symbol of connection rather than concession. “The bridge is open,” he said in Alberta, noting it serves a vital corridor carrying $300 billion in yearly trade, mostly between Ontario and the U.S. At $6.5 billion, the project costs less than 5% of the economic activity it enables, he added, allowing Canada to reinvest in border communities.
More broadly, Carney stressed that over 80% of Canadian trade with the U.S. remains tariff-free. Still, he acknowledged the need for a more durable deal that reflects America’s shifting trade posture. “We’re working toward something more stable,” he said, “that addresses concerns in our biggest industries.”
Carney portrayed Canada as negotiating from strength, citing fresh job growth, rising foreign investment, and new trade links beyond North America. “We are stronger than when this started,” he said. “Everybody wants to do more with Canada except the United States.” He also noted Ottawa is on course to secure free-trade access to roughly 3 billion consumers worldwide.
With fresh U.S. tariffs set to hit in August targeting Canadian wine, cement, even hockey sticks Carney said officials are in active talks in Washington. “We’ll only accept a solution that works for Canadians,” he warned. “If that doesn’t happen, we have options both to support our economy and to respond where needed.”
Last week, the White House confirmed 50% duties on select Canadian goods, ratcheting up pressure just as both sides race to find common ground.
