Canada is quickly approaching a new era with Liberal party leader Mark Carney set to be sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday, and he’s already promised to sit down with the U.S. President Donald Trump under the condition that he respects Canadian sovereignty.
Carney visited the ArcelorMittal Dofasco steel mill in Hamilton on Wednesday where he spoke to workers about the efforts being made to protect the steel industry amidst Trump imposing 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum, which came into effect yesterday.
At one point in his speech, Carney stressed that talks with the U.S. president will happen, but only on a conditional basis.
“I’m ready to sit down with President Trump at the appropriate time, under a position where there’s respect for Canadian sovereignty,” Carney said.
His remarks are in response to Trump’s continuous calling of Canada the 51st state, even going as far as calling outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, ‘governor Trudeau.’
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Carney also stressed that proceeds made from Canada’s retaliatory tariffs will be used to support workers in industries impacted by the trade war.
“Me and my colleagues, and the government want to make it absolutely clear that we stand four-square with you in this,” he said. “We are all going to be better off when the greatest economic and security partnership is renewed, relaunched.”
Carney and his cabinet will be sworn in by the Governor General of Canada at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday morning, but it is not yet known who will be included in his cabinet.
It’s already been a busy week for Carney who’s had several meetings after winning Sunday’s Liberal leadership race, including one with Ontario Premier Doug Ford where tariffs were discussed.
Once sworn in, Carney will have to decide whether or not to call an early spring election, with the gap between the Liberals and Conservatives narrowing, according to a new Nanos Research poll.
A federal election is set to happen this year, with the latest possible date taking place in the fall.
