Canada's Carney Condemns 25% U.S. Auto Tariffs, Vows Defense

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has strongly condemned the 25% tariffs on auto imports imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, labeling them as a "direct attack" on Canada. Carney's remarks came in response to Trump's announcement that the tariffs would be permanent, a move that has sparked significant concern and retaliation threats from Canada.

Carney, who was campaigning in Windsor, Ontario, emphasized that the tariffs would not only affect Canadian auto workers but also have a detrimental impact on American consumers and workers. He noted that American consumer confidence has been at a multi-year low, attributing this to the ongoing trade war initiated by Trump. The prime minister highlighted that the auto sector is Canada's second-largest export, employing 125,000 Canadians directly and nearly 500,000 in related industries. Carney vowed to defend Canadian workers, companies, and the country as a whole, stating that Canada would not back down from this challenge.

The prime minister announced a CA$2 billion "strategic response fund" aimed at protecting Canadian auto jobs affected by the tariffs. He also mentioned that he would chair a special Cabinet committee on U.S. relations in Ottawa to discuss potential retaliatory measures. Carney's comments were made against the backdrop of the Ambassador Bridge, a critical trade route between the U.S. and Canada, which carries 25% of all trade between the two countries and plays a vital role in auto manufacturing.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province is home to the bulk of Canada's auto industry, echoed Carney's sentiments. Ford warned that auto plants on both sides of the border could shut down simultaneously if the tariffs are implemented. He criticized Trump's actions, stating that the tariffs would lead to job losses for American workers as well. Ford's remarks underscored the interconnected nature of the auto industry between the two countries, with parts often crossing the border multiple times before final assembly.

The tariffs have also strained the relationship between the two countries, with Trump previously imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Carney's comments came as Trump continues to call for Canada to become the 51st state, a position that has infuriated many Canadians. The new prime minister, sworn in on March 14, has yet to have a phone call with Trump, which is unusual given the close relationship between the two countries.

Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also weighed in, calling on Trump to reconsider the tariffs. Poilievre noted that Trump has changed his mind on tariffs in the past and suggested that this could happen again. The tariffs are expected to strain the U.S.-Canada relationship further, with both countries facing potential economic repercussions. Carney's strong stance against the tariffs reflects the broader sentiment in Canada, where many view Trump's actions as an attempt to undermine the country's economic sovereignty.