CHARLOTTETOWN — Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a firm message to provincial leaders on Thursday, declaring that Canada will do “whatever it takes” to defend its economy against mounting trade pressures from the United States. Addressing a meeting of provincial premiers, Carney emphasized the country’s commitment to protecting its workforce, agriculture, and business sectors amid escalating cross-border friction.
The high-stakes meeting comes after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose new 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. Characterizing the proposed American measures as unwarranted, Carney reaffirmed that Ottawa is actively stepping up negotiations with Washington while keeping all defensive options on the table. In televised remarks, he asserted that Canada will not hesitate to safeguard its national interests if necessary.
Despite the federal government’s resolute posture, Canada’s 10 provinces remain divided on the exact response strategy. Leaders from key energy and resource-exporting regions, including Alberta and Saskatchewan, have expressed hesitation over aggressive countermeasures. The premiers of both provinces—whose economies rely heavily on exporting crude oil and potash to the U.S.—have ruled out applying export duties or restrictions to pressure Washington, cautioning that such moves could backfire on Canadian industries.
