Mon Mar 17 02:24:06 UTC 2025: ## New Canadian PM Courts Allies Amidst Trump’s Trade War
**Montreal, March 17, 2025** – Newly sworn-in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarked on his first foreign trip to Paris and London today, seeking to solidify alliances in the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. Carney’s trip prioritizes strengthening ties with France and the UK, nations integral to Canada’s history.
The trip follows Trump’s imposition of sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, coupled with provocative statements suggesting Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. These actions have sparked outrage in Canada, leading to retaliatory tariffs and a boycott of American products. The Canadian government is even reviewing the purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
Carney’s visit will include meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and King Charles III. The goal is to diversify trade partnerships and potentially coordinate a response to Trump’s aggressive trade policies. While Carney has expressed willingness to meet with Trump if he shows respect for Canadian sovereignty, he is not visiting Washington at this time, a decision supported by several Canadian political experts who believe such a meeting would be unproductive.
Experts like Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, highlight the “Trump factor” as the primary driver of Carney’s trip. The overreliance on the US market (over 75% of Canadian exports go to the US), coupled with concerns about Arctic sovereignty in light of increased US-Russia cooperation in the region, further underscores the urgency of diversifying trade and strengthening international partnerships. The current crisis has unexpectedly boosted the Liberal Party’s standing ahead of an upcoming election, which Carney is expected to call in the coming days. Following his meetings in Europe, Carney will travel to Canada’s Arctic to reaffirm the nation’s sovereignty before returning to Ottawa.
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