Carney warns U.S. ties now a ‘weakness’ to Canada

ALBAWABA- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the country’s long-standing economic reliance on the United States has become a vulnerability, calling for urgent adjustments to protect Canada’s future.

In a video address released on Sunday, Carney said that shifting U.S. policies, including a turn toward protectionist trade measures, have exposed risks for Canada’s export-driven economy. “The U.S. has changed, and we must respond,” he said, warning that sectors such as autos, steel, and lumber are increasingly under pressure, while uncertainty is dampening investment.

Carney framed the challenge as part of a broader shift in the global landscape, describing the current environment as “more dangerous and divided.” He stressed the need for Canada to regain control over its economic security, borders, and long-term development.

Canada’s close ties to the United States were once a strength but have become a weakness, Prime Minister Mark Carney said ​in a video message to his country. https://t.co/1pVHhMFQYn pic.twitter.com/j1d6Mx2Opj

— New York Post (@nypost) April 20, 2026

The address follows a political boost for Carney’s Liberal government, which secured a slim parliamentary majority on April 14 after a series of by-election victories and defections from opposition lawmakers, ending more than a year of minority rule.

Since taking office in March 2025, Carney has advanced policies aimed at reducing dependence on the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, his government introduced Canada’s first defence industrial strategy, seeking to shift procurement away from U.S. suppliers and expand domestic manufacturing capacity.

The plan prioritises Canadian resources such as steel, aluminium, and lumber, to create jobs and strengthen national resilience. It forms part of the broader “Canada Strong” platform, which focuses on trade diversification, enhanced border security, and industrial self-sufficiency.

While Carney did not directly name Trump in his latest remarks, the message underscores Ottawa’s intent to recalibrate its relationship with its largest trading partner amid ongoing tensions. No immediate response from Washington has been reported.