Carney, Premiers Show United Front on U.S. Tariffs in Emergency Virtual Meeting
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney convened an emergency virtual meeting today with Canada’s premiers to coordinate a national response to escalating U.S. tariffs targeting the auto sector and other key exports. The meeting comes amid growing concern about the economic fallout on both sides of the border.
Joined by Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s position against the punitive measures introduced by the United States, which threaten thousands of manufacturing and supply chain jobs across the country. The meeting included all provincial and territorial leaders, who expressed unanimous opposition to what they described as economically harmful and unjustified trade actions.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney emphasized that while some aspects of the bilateral relationship have remained stable, the U.S. tariffs are expected to cause “profound economic damage” if not reversed. He called for a coordinated Canadian response that applies pressure on Washington while limiting harm to Canadian families and businesses.
The premiers and the federal government discussed possible retaliatory measures designed to maximize impact on the U.S. economy, with revenues from those tariffs earmarked to directly support affected Canadian workers and industries. The goal, according to the federal government, is to avoid further escalation while ensuring Canada responds with strength and resolve.
Carney also briefed the premiers on recent diplomatic outreach efforts, including conversations with U.S. officials and newly elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to working with international partners to defuse trade tensions.
Today’s meeting marks the beginning of a series of ongoing consultations. Carney pledged to maintain close contact with provincial and territorial leaders in the weeks ahead as Canada prepares its full response to the tariff dispute.
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