Canada's Carney softens Trump criticism ahead of G7, with trade talks at stake

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is adopting a more measured tone toward U.S. President Donald Trump as he arrives in Europe for the G7 summit. This strategic recalibration occurs at a pivotal moment for trade relations, with crucial talks looming to potentially renew the North American free-trade agreement (USMCA) between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

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are determined to act in this way to strengthen our strategic autonomy in a world dominated by hegemonic powers and hyperscalers.

Carney's previous remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he declared the global rules-based order over and condemned great power coercion, had positioned him as a symbol of middle-power resistance. However, the current climate is marked by escalating tensions between Trump and Canada, including trade wars and Trump's controversial suggestions about Canada's sovereignty.

Ahead of the G7 summit in France, Carney met with French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing a shared view on strengthening "strategic autonomy in a world dominated by hegemonic powers." This focus on autonomy is particularly relevant as the July 1 review of the USMCA approaches, a trade pact vital to Canada, which relies on the U.S. for 70% of its exports.

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share the same view of the world.

Despite Trump's recent statements suggesting the U.S. might not renew the deal, Carney is downplaying the prospect of a unified front against the U.S. at the summit. He acknowledges that differing views exist among the G7 nations. The strained relationship, exacerbated by Trump's actions, has created a political environment where Carney has pledged to confront Trump if elected prime minister in 2025. Meanwhile, Carney is pursuing a goal to double Canada's non-U.S. exports within a decade, citing Trump's trade policies as a deterrent to investment.

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is more of a problem for Carney than anybody else because we are more exposed to the United States.