Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Monday that the United States must stop being tough in the ongoing trade dispute.
Carney Demands Seriousness in Trade Negotiations
Speaking in Ottawa, Carney said Americans need to stop “doing memes, throwing shade, and trying to be tough” before talks can be productive.
He warned that the U.S. posture and its negotiation terms threaten Canadian sovereignty and key industries, especially automobiles.
Trump Renames Lake Ontario as Lake America
After Canada suspended trade talks on Aug. 21, President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America.
The change, announced Aug. 27, follows a growing border trade rift between the two nations.
U.S. Officials Mock Canada
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and War Secretary Pete Hegseth posted social‑media messages that ridiculed Canada’s economy and military.
Carney dismissed the remarks as “beneath their office,” calling them unconstructive.
Tariff Escalation and Future Talks
Carney announced Canada will impose tariffs “dollar for dollar” on U.S. goods starting Sept. 8, matching existing U.S. levies on steel and lumber.
He said the United States’ demand for control over who Canada trades with is “a bridge too far.”
Carney added that while a mutually beneficial deal is still possible, the current “new normal” will require adjustments and may not return to previous terms soon.
Trump Accuses Canada of Seeking State Benefits
Following the suspension, Trump accused Canada of wanting “the benefits of being a State, without being one” and claimed the country exploits U.S. farmers with tariffs.
He made the remarks on Truth Social, intensifying the rhetoric.
Outlook
Carney left the door open for future negotiations, noting that previous talks were moving toward a beneficial agreement before diverging.
He told lawmakers that normal relations with the United States will not resume quickly, describing the situation as a lasting new normal.
