Canada ready for a trade deal with US that benefits both, Carney says

What the report says

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that Canada is prepared to conclude a trade agreement with the United States if it provides benefits for workers, families and businesses in both countries. He made the remarks in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and said any deal would need to offer stability and credibility. The comments followed the breakdown of Canada-U.S. trade talks last month, which had reached an advanced stage before collapsing.

According to the Al Jazeera report, the dispute has since escalated. The United States has imposed 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, while Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on a similar amount are set to begin next week. Washington has also threatened 50 percent tariffs on Canadian cars and car parts starting January 1. Carney rejected suggestions from U.S. officials that Canada walked away from negotiations for domestic political reasons, and said the U.S. position appeared to have softened somewhat.

The article also notes broader pressure on Canada’s trade dependence on the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump responded on social media after Carney’s comments, warning of severe economic consequences if Canadian politicians frame him as an adversary. Separately, Carney announced a C$4.7 billion plan to build and maintain more than 300 Via Rail passenger rail cars in Canada, using facilities in Quebec and Thunder Bay, rather than importing them from the United States.