As Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney wasted no time addressing tensions with the United States. On Friday, just hours after being sworn in, Carney firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed threats to annex Canada.
“Canada will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be part of the United States,” Carney declared in his inaugural address. He emphasized that confronting U.S. tariffs would be a top priority for his administration, while expressing hope for future collaboration with Washington to benefit both nations.
Relations between Ottawa and Washington have deteriorated since Trump returned to power in January. The U.S. president has reignited a trade war, imposing tariffs on Canadian goods and insisting that Canada surrender its independence to become the 51st U.S. state. Ottawa has retaliated with its own tariffs, and Canadians have widely condemned Trump’s annexation demands.
Carney described the current U.S. administration as the greatest challenge Canada has faced in a generation, labeling the tariffs as unjustified and harmful to both economies.
In response to the escalating tensions, Carney appointed a new cabinet focused on managing Canada-U.S. relations. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly retained her position, while former Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc was named international trade minister, overseeing the critical U.S. portfolio. François-Philippe Champagne, formerly minister of innovation, science and industry, was promoted to finance minister.
“This new, leaner, focused cabinet includes returning ministers, seasoned leaders, and new voices who will bring fresh ideas and perspectives,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement. “They will deliver on the things that matter most to Canadians, such as strengthening Canada’s economy and security.”
Officials are working to arrange a call between Trump and Carney in the coming days, seeking to ease tensions. Meanwhile, it is widely believed that Carney may call for an election before Parliament’s scheduled return, potentially sending Canadians to the polls in late April or early May.
