Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada is ready to resume trade talks with the United States whenever Washington decides to return to the table. His comments came after US President Donald Trump abruptly ended all trade negotiations with Canada, following a controversy over a political advertisement criticizing his tariff policies. The advert, sponsored by Ontario’s government, featured the voice of former US President Ronald Reagan, warning that tariffs ultimately harm American workers and consumers. The ad quoted Reagan’s 1987 remarks on free trade, arguing that trade barriers lead to retaliation, job losses, and economic decline. Trump condemned the video as fake and egregious, claiming it misrepresented Reagan’s words and interfered with an upcoming US Supreme Court decision on the legality of his tariff policies. The Trump administration’s 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods particularly on steel, cars, and metals have deeply affected Canada’s economy, especially Ontario, which relies heavily on exports to the United States. Canada
Canada to Resume Trade Talks When Americans Are Ready Says Carney
Although some products remain exempt under Trump’s revised North American trade deal with Mexico and Canada, tensions have continued to rise. Since taking office earlier this year, Carney has sought to negotiate a fairer agreement that would ease the economic pressure caused by the tariffs. Three-quarters of Canada’s exports are sold to the US, making the Canadian economy especially sensitive to American trade policies. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been one of Trump’s fiercest critics on trade issues.\ He accused the US government of stabbing Canada in the back and argued that tariffs on Canadian products hurt both nations. Ford shared the full version of Reagan’s speech on social media, emphasizing the former president’s belief that America and Canada are stronger together. The Ronald Reagan Foundation later accused Ontario of using Reagan’s words selectively and said it was reviewing legal options over the advert’s production. It claimed that the edited version changed the original order of his sentences, although the words themselves were not altered. Canada
Despite the controversy, Carney avoided direct comment on the advertisement. Speaking before departing for the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he said Canada had made significant progress in prior discussions and remained open to renewing dialogue. Canada to resume trade talks when the Americans are ready, Carney reiterated, highlighting that Ottawa was also expanding partnerships with Asian nations to diversify its trade opportunities. White House officials defended Trump’s decision to pause negotiations. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said frustration with Canada had been building for months, and that taking a time-out was the right move. For now, both sides appear to be holding firm. But Carney’s remarks signal that Canada to resume trade talks remains a real possibility—once the US decides to re-engage in diplomacy. Canada
