Canada's US ties have become a weakness, says Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday that his country's strong economic ties to the US have turned from strength into weakness.  

"The world is more dangerous and divided," Carney said in a 10-minute video address, adding that "the US has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression."

"Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses. Weaknesses that we must correct," Carney underscored.

Since returning to the White House for his second term, US President Donald Trump has not only slapped tariffs on Canadian goods such as steel, cars and aluminum, but also repeatedly mused about annexing Canada and turning it into the US's 51st state.

Trump's rhetoric and actions have angered Canadians and were considered a factor in the election of Carney after his party had previously been languishing in the polls. 

Trump vs. the US auto industry

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'We can't rely on one foreign partner'

"The US has changed and we must respond," said Carney, stressing that simply hoping the "United States will return to normal" is not a feasible strategy. "We have to take care of ourselves because we can't rely on one foreign partner."

Carney's comments came days after he secured a ​majority for his Liberal government last week. The electoral win, he said, will strengthen his position and help him deal more effectively in the trade war with the US.

Canada sends almost 70% of its exports to the United States.

And the country is this year due to review the trilateral US-Mexico-Canada ⁠free ​trade treaty.

US officials have suggested they want major ​changes to the pact.

Last week, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ​slammed Canada as a difficult trading partner.

Carney also drew Trump's ire after his speech at the World Economic Forum in January, in which he condemned large countries' attempts to coerce smaller countries through trade.

Canada unveils its first defence industrial plan

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Eyeing trade deals with others

To diversify and reduce the reliance on the US, Carney vowed to sign trade deals with other countries.

He also wants to attract new investments and increase defense spending.

The prime minister said he plans to give regular ⁠addresses to Canadians in the ​weeks and months ahead to update them on the progress being made.

"It's our country, it's our future, we are taking back control," he said.

Edited by: Alex Berry