Newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is embarking on a diplomatic journey to Paris and London on Monday (March 17, 2025) in an effort to strengthen alliances amidst the challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions against Canadian sovereignty and economy.
Mr. Carney’s deliberate choice of Paris and London as his initial destinations reflects the historical significance of these two countries in shaping Canada’s early development.
During his inauguration ceremony on Friday (March 14, 2025), Mr. Carney emphasized Canada’s multicultural foundation, highlighting the contributions of the French, English, and Indigenous peoples. He asserted that Canada’s identity is distinct from that of the United States and unequivocally stated that Canada will always maintain its independence.
A senior government official, speaking to reporters en route to pick up Mr. Carney in Montreal, outlined the trip’s objective as reinforcing partnerships with Canada’s foundational nations. The official underscored Canada’s amicable relationship with the United States while acknowledging the current challenges.
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“The Trump factor is the driving force behind this trip. It looms large over all other issues that Carney must address,” commented Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.
Mr. Carney, a former central banker who celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday (March 16, 2025), is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and subsequently engage with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London to explore avenues for diversifying trade and potentially coordinating responses to Mr. Trump’s tariffs.
Additionally, he will hold discussions with King Charles III, Canada’s head of state. The visit to England holds sentimental value as Mr. Carney previously served as the Governor of the Bank of England, becoming the first non-citizen to hold that position in the institution’s extensive history.
Following his European engagements, Mr. Carney will travel to Canada’s Arctic region to reaffirm the country’s commitment to Arctic security and sovereignty before returning to Ottawa to potentially announce an upcoming election.
While Mr. Carney has expressed willingness to engage with Mr. Trump under the condition of respecting Canadian sovereignty, he currently has no plans to visit Washington, aiming instead for a phone conversation with the president in the near future.
The imposition of significant tariffs and Mr. Trump’s rhetoric suggesting Canada’s annexation have sparked outrage among Canadians, leading to a decrease in the purchase of American products.
Mr. Carney’s administration is reevaluating the procurement of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in light of the ongoing trade disputes initiated by Mr. Trump.
The ruling Liberal Party, initially facing electoral challenges, has seen a shift in fortunes following Mr. Trump’s confrontational stance, with the party and its new leader now poised for potential success.
Robert Bothwell, a professor specializing in Canadian history and international relations, advised against a visit to Mr. Trump, citing the president’s tendency to disrespect foreign dignitaries.
“There’s little benefit in engaging with Washington under these circumstances,” Mr. Bothwell remarked. “Mr. Trump’s approach often involves demanding deference without reciprocating it.”
Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University, emphasized the urgency of diversifying Canada’s trade partnerships in response to the trade tensions with the U.S., where the majority of Canadian exports are directed.
Mr. Béland also highlighted the importance of Arctic sovereignty for Canada, particularly in light of President Trump’s rhetoric concerning Canada and Greenland and the evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Russia in the Arctic region.
Published – March 17, 2025 07:54 am IST
