Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that Canada must rethink its relationship with the United States, saying changes in American policies have turned a long-standing strength into a potential weakness.
In a pre-recorded address released Sunday, Carney said the global landscape has become more volatile and Canada needs a new economic strategy to respond.
“America has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression,” Carney said in the address.
“Many of our former strengths, based on our close relationship with America, have become our weaknesses; weaknesses that we must improve.”
He said industries such as auto, steel and lumber are facing pressure from tariffs, while businesses are delaying investments due to the ongoing uncertainty.
“America has changed and we must respond,” Carney said.
Carney outlined plans to strengthen Canada’s economy, including building new trade and energy corridors, expanding clean energy capacity, and creating “a Canadian economy of 13”.
He acknowledged the scale of the proposals but defended their urgency. He said, “But in times of crisis, fortune favors the courageous.”
“There is plenty of guidance in our shared history to move forward. We will get through this because of who we have always been,” he said.
“This is our country. This is our future. We are taking back control to make Canada stronger.”
