Muhammad Aman Ullah
July 30, 2026
THE TRUE POST – Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has ruled out using oil exports as leverage against the United States despite Washington’s threat to impose an additional 50% tariff on Canadian goods. Carney said Canada remains a reliable energy supplier and warned that disrupting exports would do more harm than good.
Trade Deal Remains Top Priority
Speaking at a housing event in Red Deer, Alberta, Carney said the federal government’s main focus is reaching a trade agreement with the United States before the August 19 deadline.
He noted that while Canada has contingency plans if negotiations fail, the government is concentrating on diplomacy rather than discussing possible retaliatory measures.
Canada Will Not Weaponize Energy
Asked whether Alberta’s oil exports could be used to pressure Washington, Carney rejected the idea.
He emphasized that countries supplying essential goods and services should carefully consider the consequences of interrupting supply chains.
“Canadians are reliable. We are trusted partners, and I don’t see any benefit in cutting off energy supplies,” Carney said.
Shift From Earlier Comments
Carney’s latest remarks appear to clarify comments made after meeting Canada’s premiers last week, when he said that “all options remain on the table” if trade talks failed.
Those remarks had sparked speculation that Canada might consider restricting energy exports as part of its negotiating strategy.
Ontario Premier Pushes Tougher Response
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has repeatedly argued that Canada should be prepared to use its energy resources, including oil and potash, if the United States escalates trade measures.
Ford says Washington relies heavily on Canadian energy and should recognize the economic consequences of imposing further tariffs.
Alberta Opposes Export Restrictions
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has firmly opposed any proposal to limit oil and gas exports.
She said halting energy shipments would hurt Alberta’s economy as well as Canada’s broader national interests.
Why the U.S. Is Threatening New Tariffs
The Trump administration argues that the proposed tariffs are a response to what it considers unfair Canadian trade policies, including:
- Restrictions on the sale of U.S. alcohol in some provinces
- Canada’s protected dairy industry
- Trade issues involving the integrated North American auto sector
If implemented, provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia could face significant impacts.
Trade Negotiations Continue
Canada’s Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, is currently in Washington for talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Both sides have agreed to continue discussions in hopes of reaching a mutually acceptable agreement before the deadline.
The negotiations are also taking place alongside broader discussions concerning the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
August 19 Deadline Looms
Carney confirmed that he recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, with both leaders agreeing to accelerate negotiations.
If no agreement is reached by August 19, the proposed 50% U.S. tariffs could take effect, potentially escalating trade tensions between the two neighboring countries.
