Ties to US Have Become a Problem, Carney Tells Canada

Canada's long reliance on the US is shifting from an asset to a liability, Prime Minister Mark Carney told his nation in a video address released Sunday. In the message, Carney held up a figurine of Gen. Isaac Brock, a British commander killed fighting a US invasion in the War of 1812, and cited him and Indigenous leader Chief Tecumseh as examples of resistance to American expansion more than 200 years ago. Carney said Canada "can't control the disruption" coming from the US, Reuters reports, and should not base its future on the expectation that such turmoil will end.

"Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses; weaknesses that we must correct," he said. Carney, whose Liberal Party won a parliamentary majority last week, has argued that a stronger domestic mandate will help his government confront the trade conflict launched by President Trump. The US has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, and Carney said workers in those industries are under threat, per CTV News. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last week labeled Canada a difficult trade partner. Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could be annexed as a 51st US state.

The prime minister also spoke about his government's efforts to strengthen the Canadian economy by attracting new investments and signing trade deals with other countries in the 10-minute address, per the AP. His office did not answer questions about the timing of the video release. Carney said he plans to deliver regular updates on efforts to bolster the economy and protect Canada's sovereignty, adding, "It's our country, it's our future, we are taking back control."