New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has embarked on his first official international trip, meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday, March 17.
The visit comes as Carney seeks to solidify alliances with key European partners amid growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has launched a series of economic and political attacks on Canada’s sovereignty.
Macron, while refraining from directly addressing Trump’s remarks, emphasized the damaging effects of tariffs on the global economy.
“In the current international context, we want to be able to develop our most strategic projects with our closest, more loyal partners.
“We are stronger together, better able to ensure the respect of our interests, the full exercise of our sovereignty.”
French President Emmanuel Macron
Carney, who was sworn in on Friday, March 14, has chosen Paris and London for his first overseas engagements, reflecting Canada’s historical ties to both nations. During his swearing-in, he highlighted the nation’s foundation on French, English, and Indigenous roots, drawing a clear distinction between Canada and its southern neighbor.
Following his meeting with Macron, he traveled to London for discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III.
However, Starmer is not expected to hold a joint press conference with Carney, a move seen as a strategic effort to avoid antagonizing Trump ahead of his planned tariffs on U.S. trading partners set to take effect on April 2, 2025.
“I want to ensure that France, and the whole of Europe, works enthusiastically with Canada, the most European of non-European countries, and at the same time resolutely North American. We will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Since Trump’s return to office, he has imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium while making provocative statements about Canada’s sovereignty. His repeated remarks suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state have fueled widespread outrage, prompting calls for a boycott of American goods across the country.
Macron echoed Carney’s stance, advocating for fair trade over protectionist measures.
“Trade fairness is certainly more effective than tariffs, which create inflation and damage supply chains and our economic integration.”
President Emmanuel Macron
No Immediate Plans for Washington Talks
Carney has made it clear that he is open to discussions with Trump — but only if the U.S. president respects Canada’s sovereignty. At this stage, however, he has no plans to visit Washington, opting instead for a phone conversation soon. His government is also reviewing its commitment to purchasing U.S-made F-35 fighter jets amid growing concerns over Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
Meanwhile, Macron has intensified efforts to encourage European allies to reduce dependence on U.S. military hardware. This aligns with broader apprehensions in Europe about the continent’s reliance on American weapons, technical support, and strategic goodwill.
Macron also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and efforts to secure a potential ceasefire, emphasizing the role of allied nations in supporting peace.
Back home, Carney is expected to call a parliamentary election by the end of this week, setting the stage for a late April or early May national election. The Canadian Liberal Party, which was facing the prospect of a significant electoral defeat earlier this year, may now have a chance at political resurgence. Trump’s aggressive trade policies have shifted the political landscape, potentially rallying domestic support for Carney’s leadership.
As Canada navigates this turbulent geopolitical climate, Carney’s diplomatic efforts in Europe signal a clear intention to bolster alliances and counterbalance the economic uncertainty triggered by Trump’s trade war.
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