TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney advised the Trump administration Tuesday to “cease doing memes, cease throwing shade and cease attempting to be robust,” as he pushed again in opposition to a contemporary wave of assaults from Washington.
Carney mentioned U.S.-Canada trade talks could resume if Washington turned severe about negotiations, however he additionally accused the US of pursuing phrases that he mentioned may depart Canadian industries “steadily wound down in Canada and worn out.”
“When the Individuals cease doing memes, cease throwing shade and cease attempting to be robust, and begin being severe about having these discussions, we will have these discussions,” Carney mentioned. “It’s not constructive, however that’s their democracy.”
His feedback got here after a brand new barrage from Washington since commerce talks collapsed Aug. 21, together with Trump’s transfer to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” and social media posts taunting Canada. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent additionally mentioned Canada couldn’t go “tit for tat” with a U.S. economic system 13 occasions bigger, whereas U.S. Secretary of Conflict Pete Hegseth mocked feminine Canadian cadets on-line.
Hegseth on Monday posted a picture from a cadet coaching middle in British Columbia exhibiting two younger ladies in uniform, including “that is actual” alongside a Canadian flag. Carney referred to as the publish “beneath their workplace.”
The Pentagon stood by it Tuesday, with deputy press secretary Jacob Bliss saying, “The X publish speaks for itself.”
Carney mentioned the U.S. method within the talks would have left Canadian industries successfully as subsidiaries of American firms or imposed phrases beneath which they might be “steadily wound down in Canada and worn out.”
“We’re not going to — in fact, we’re not going to just accept these phrases,” Carney mentioned.
Carney mentioned Washington sought an “uncompetitive” deal for key industries, together with autos, whereas pushing modifications affecting French-language and cultural protections. He mentioned any of these points was sufficient to dam an settlement.
Carney mentioned Washington additionally sought limits on Canada’s future commerce offers. “Canada is a sovereign state. We are going to strike free commerce offers with the international locations we want to strike free commerce offers,” he mentioned.
Carney was additionally buoyed by Monday’s Liberal sweep of three particular elections, together with a decisive win in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, Quebec, the place the Conservatives fell to 3rd place.
The victories introduced the Liberals to 173 seats within the 343-seat Home of Commons and strengthened Carney’s place as he confronts Trump over commerce and Canadian sovereignty.
Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus of political science on the College of Toronto, mentioned Trump’s annexation threats carry explicit weight in Quebec. “Quebecers have essentially the most to lose in an apocalyptic situation the place the U.S. absorbs Canada, and the standing of the French language disappears,” he mentioned.
U.S.-Canada trade talks collapsed after the 2 sides failed to achieve a deal, and Trump imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion in Canadian items. Canada responded with plans for tariffs on U.S. merchandise.
Trump has repeatedly talked about making Canada the 51st state.
