Muhammad Amanullah
September 11, 2026
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that communication with US President Donald Trump remains ongoing despite the continuing trade tensions between Canada and the United States and a series of tough statements from the Trump administration.
Carney said recent conversations between the two leaders have not been limited to trade issues. They have also discussed major international developments, including ongoing wars around the world and their impact on global markets.
The prime minister said disagreements over trade between Canada and the United States remain unresolved, but the two countries can continue working together on issues where they share common interests internationally.
According to Carney, Canada is following a policy of keeping different issues separate, meaning that trade disputes should not prevent cooperation with the United States on broader global matters.
Contact with Trump Continues
Speaking at a news conference in Calgary alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Carney said he remains in regular contact with President Trump.
The Canadian prime minister said their recent discussions have included major international developments and their broader consequences.
Carney specifically referred to the wars in Ukraine and Iran, which have contributed to uncertainty in global energy and grain markets. He said issues involving global energy and food supplies are among the matters where maintaining communication between Canada and the United States remains important.
Canada Wants to Keep Issues Separate
Carney said Canada can separate different issues in its relationship with the United States.
While acknowledging that the trade dispute between the two countries has intensified, he made clear that the disagreement does not mean cooperation on international issues has to come to an end.
According to Carney, Canada will continue to play its role internationally alongside the United States wherever the two countries have shared interests.
Trade Talks Break Down
Trade negotiations between Canada and the United States stalled last month after both sides blamed each other for the failure of the talks.
Following the breakdown in negotiations, the United States imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on hundreds of Canadian products.
Canada responded by imposing new tariffs on US imports of approximately equivalent value. The measures have further escalated existing trade disagreements between the two countries and pushed relations into a broader trade conflict.
More US Measures
The trade dispute intensified further after the Trump administration announced additional tariffs on certain products imported from Canada and restrictions affecting some Canadian goods.
The latest US measures have targeted specific Canadian products, increasing concerns among businesses on both sides of the border.
The developments have also raised questions about whether Canada will introduce additional retaliatory measures against the United States.
Canada Considering Its Response
When Carney was asked whether Canada would impose additional retaliatory tariffs in response to the latest US measures, he did not announce a final decision.
The prime minister said his government was carefully reviewing the steps recently announced by the United States.
Carney said Canada would assess all aspects of the situation before deciding on its next course of action.
Hope for a Trade Agreement Remains
Despite the breakdown in trade negotiations, Carney has not closed the door on a potential agreement with the United States.
He said Canada remains prepared to work toward a fair deal.
According to Carney, Canada wants an agreement that benefits both countries and helps restore stability to their trading relationship.
He said there is still room for a mutually beneficial agreement between the two countries.
Trump’s Tough Statements
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and several senior members of his administration have made strong statements about Canada in recent weeks.
Trump’s reference to Lake Ontario as “Lake America” has also attracted considerable attention in Canada.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have also made critical remarks concerning the Canadian Armed Forces.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has likewise responded strongly to Canadian leaders’ characterization of US tariffs as a trade war.
Carney’s Firm Position
Responding to what he described as inappropriate comments from members of the US administration, Carney said such remarks were not befitting the positions held by those making them.
However, he avoided speculating about why President Trump has continued criticizing Canada following the breakdown in trade negotiations.
Carney said he could not determine what other people were feeling or what might be in their hearts.
According to the prime minister, the current dispute is not about emotions but about Canada’s sovereignty.
Balancing Trade and Diplomatic Relations
The Canadian government is preparing to respond to US tariffs and other trade measures while continuing diplomatic communication with Washington.
Carney’s latest comments suggest Ottawa does not want trade disagreements to prevent cooperation with the United States on other international issues.
Despite the growing trade conflict, Canada’s geographic proximity to the United States, extensive bilateral trade and shared international interests continue to make communication between the two countries essential.
For that reason, Carney has expressed concerns over recent US measures while also maintaining hope that Canada and the United States can eventually reach a fair and mutually beneficial trade agreement.
