OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says U.S. President Donald Trump wants Canada to have a dependent relationship with the United States, but is not seeking to scrap the Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade agreement, instead pushing toward its renegotiation.
In French-language interviews with Radio-Canada and TVA, Carney revealed details of a recent private discussion with Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held during the World Cup draw in Washington. The meeting followed a six-week pause in bilateral trade talks after Trump suspended negotiations over sectoral tariffs.
Carney said Trump did not raise tearing up CUSMA, despite public comments from U.S. officials suggesting that letting the deal expire or pursuing bilateral agreements remains an option. Rather, the leaders discussed the agreement’s scheduled review, which Carney said will effectively become a negotiation.
Carney said Trump made clear in private that he wants Canada to rely more heavily on the U.S., a position he rejected. He also reiterated that Trump halted tariff talks after Ontario Premier Doug Ford launched an anti-tariff advertising campaign, despite negotiators being close to an agreement on steel, aluminum and energy.
While talks could still resume, Carney said focus is now shifting to the broader CUSMA review. He said the agreement is likely to change but is not necessarily in danger, adding that Canada must strengthen its own economy and diversify trade with reliable partners.
Carney also dismissed speculation about courting Conservative MPs or calling an early election, saying Canadians want stability while the country continues to face ongoing challenges.