Canadian Chamber of Commerce reacts after Carney-Trump meeting
Canada's Chamber of Commerce praised the meeting between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in a statement provided to Newsweek on Tuesday.
Why It Matters
The relationship between the United States and Canada has grown tumultuous since Trump's return to office over his tariff threats and talk of making Canada the 51st state. Carney ran a campaign that criticized Trump, with his liberal party emerging victorious against conservatives.
The U.S. and Canada have long held close ties and have been key diplomatic and economic partners, despite recent strains. The meeting between Trump and Carney comes as countries worldwide are working to secure new trade deals with the administration to avoid steep tariffs on their exports to the U.S.
What To Know
Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, reacted to the meeting in a statement provided to Newsweek Tuesday afternoon.
"Today's chance for a relationship reset was much needed. We are impressed with the tone of the meeting and the momentum toward a reliable, close economic and security relationship," she wrote. "Our two countries working and making things together will be mutually beneficial for decades to come, if we are able to keep discussions like today's going."
During the meeting, the two world leaders shared some compliments with each other, with Trump praising Carney's party's comeback in Canada's election and Carney describing Trump as a "transformational president."
Carney said Washington and Ottawa are "stronger when we work together," and that there are many reasons for the two countries to do so in the future.
"I look forward to addressing some of those issues that we have, but also finding those areas of mutual cooperation," he said.
Carney also pushed back on Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st state after Trump said he feels the two countries joining would be "much better for Canada," pointing to lower taxes and miliary benefits for Canadians.
"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," Carney hit back. "We're sitting in one right now. Buckingham Palace as well. Having met with the owners of Canada over the campaign the last several months, it's not for sale. It won't be for sale ever."
While relations between the U.S. and Canada frayed, some Canadians have boycotted American companies and vowed to not travel to the U.S. The "Buy Canadian" movement has instead promoted Canadian companies and could cost U.S. companies billions of dollars in lost revenue.
Meanwhile, Trump has imposed 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada.
What People Are Saying
Carney said during the meeting: "My government is committed for a step change in our investment in Canadian security and our partnership, and I'll say this as well, that the president has revitalized international security and revitalized NATO and us putting our full weight in NATO."
Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Jean Charest said on CNN: "We're off to a good start. A respectful meeting, seemed to be very honest. President Trump, what we expected is that he would get off his chest this idea of a 51st state, but you know, Prime Minister Carney's response was pretty good when he says in real estate, some things are not for sale."
What Happens Next
A key question both leaders are facing over the coming days is whether the two countries can sign a new trade agreement. Trump said during the meeting that Washington does not need to sign any trade deals. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick cast doubt about a trade deal during an interview on Fox Business' Kudlow Monday, describing Canada as a "socialist regime."