Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared that the country’s long-standing relationship with the United States has shifted from a strategic strength to a growing vulnerability, as tensions between the two nations intensify.
In a video address on Sunday, Carney said Canada could no longer rely on stability from its southern neighbour, warning that external disruptions were beyond Ottawa’s control.
Holding up a toy soldier representing Isaac Brock, who died defending Canadian territory during the War of 1812, Carney drew parallels between past and present threats.
“The situation today feels unique, but we’ve faced down threats like this before,” Carney said, also referencing Tecumseh, who united Indigenous nations against US expansion.
Carney’s remarks follow his recent electoral victory, which secured a parliamentary majority for his Liberal government and, he said, strengthens his hand in dealing with a growing trade dispute initiated by Donald Trump.
The US has imposed tariffs on key Canadian exports including steel, aluminium and automobiles, while also signalling plans to renegotiate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is up for review this year.
Tensions have been further heightened by remarks from Howard Lutnick, who criticised Canada as a difficult trading partner, alongside repeated suggestions from Trump about annexing Canada as the 51st US state.
Canada currently sends nearly 70% of its exports to the US, underscoring the depth of economic interdependence that Carney now views as a strategic risk.
Despite the strain, preparations are underway for negotiations, with Ottawa expected to engage Washington on the future of the trilateral trade agreement.
Carney said he would continue addressing Canadians regularly, outlining measures to strengthen the economy and safeguard national sovereignty.
“It’s our country, it’s our future, we are taking back control,” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
