Two European politicians, dressed symbolically in red and white, sent a message last week to Canada on social media, declaring, “We’ve got your back.”
Also signaling support was King Charles, who planted a red maple tree on the grounds of Buckingham Palace and wore his Canadian medals during a high-profile visit to a naval warship.
When Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, embarks on his first foreign visit to Paris and London on Monday—a day after his 60th birthday—he is hoping to achieve more than symbolic encouragement. He seeks solid support from allies to navigate the Canada-US Trade War.
How Serious is the Threat from the United States?
Not only is Canada being targeted, like Europe, by a raft of sweeping US tariffs, but Donald Trump is making it clear that he wants to take over his northern neighbor.
“We appreciate all the symbolic gestures, but we need more public backing,” a Canadian official stated, his voice underlining the nervous disbelief shared by many Canadians. Trump is not joking when he calls Canada the United States’ “51st state.” The Canada Trade War has put economic stability at risk.
What Are Carney’s Priorities on His First International Trip?
The official messaging from Ottawa about Carney’s trip emphasizes two major priorities: finance and fortifying security. This is a natural fit for the economist, who previously headed the central banks of both Canada and Britain. A statement from his office highlighted that his visit is meant “to strengthen two of our closest and longest-standing economic and security partnerships.”
His itinerary is rich with symbolism.
Carney revealed his travel plans on Friday during his first speech as Prime Minister. He hearkened back—with a polished tone—to the origins of this former colony, hailing “the wonder of a country built on the bedrock of three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British.”
Why is the Arctic a Key Stop on His Tour?
Beyond Paris and London, Carney’s itinerary includes a third destination—Iqaluit, the capital of Canada’s northernmost territory, Nunavut, and the homeland of its Inuit people. His office emphasized that this stop is meant to “reaffirm Canada’s Arctic security and sovereignty.”
Spectacular Arctic and northern terrain make up 40% of the landmass of the world’s second-largest country. Protecting it is a critical Canadian concern, particularly as global powers intensify their presence in the Arctic region. The geopolitical rivalry includes not only the US but also Russia and China, making it, in essence, the cold war of all cold wars.
There is also a personal connection. Carney was born in the small town of Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, which lies next to Nunavut.
Is Carney Ready for Retail Politics?
Carney’s schedule suggests that he must also quickly master retail politics. A federal election, which must be held by October, is expected to be called soon. Carney must prove that he can engage with voters, in both English and French, as naturally as he does with bankers and finance executives.
Moreover, he needs a proper political mandate. Although he secured a massive 86% of the vote when his Liberal Party chose him to replace Justin Trudeau—who stepped down amid mounting pressure—he does not yet hold a seat in Parliament. He still lacks the direct vote of Canadians.
The political landscape has undergone a dramatic shift. The Liberals, once poised for a devastating defeat, have now rebounded and are tied with their main Conservative rivals in the polls. This turnaround is attributed to both a “Trump bump” and a Trudeau factor.
How Will Carney Handle Trump?
Looking like a world leader and understanding the complexities of tariffs and trade is a strong position when running for high office under the dark shadow of an external threat. The Canada-US Trade War is shaping Carney’s leadership on the global stage.
“I think part of the purpose of Mark Carney’s trip to Europe is to show that he can talk internationally to other like-minded powers at this very important moment,” said eminent Canadian historian Margaret MacMillan.
Back home, voters will decide whether that matters.
Carney is expected to discuss Trump’s trade tactics in private with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Both leaders have taken great pains to publicly flatter the US president while pressing their cases behind closed doors.
Many will be watching to see how Trump addresses Mark Carney. Recently, he mistakenly referred to Canada’s former prime minister as “Governor Trudeau.”
Canada’s new top diplomat has already adopted a tough tone.
A week ago, when Carney won his party’s leadership contest, he invoked Canada’s national sport, ice hockey, which has long been locked in rivalry with US teams. “Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves,” he declared to rousing applause. “Make no mistake, Canada will win.”
Is Canada’s Economy at Risk?
Despite the rhetoric, everyone knows this is no game. Carney described the escalating trade war as “the greatest crisis of our lifetime.” More than 80% of Canada’s exports cross the border to the US, making the economic stakes enormous. The Canada Trade War threatens jobs and industries across the nation.
While some reports have emerged of Canadians flying the US flag, a recent poll by the Angus Reid Institute found that an overwhelming 91% of Canadians reject the idea of becoming the 51st state.
On Friday, in Ottawa’s icy cold weather, Carney struck a warmer tone, noting that he and Trump share a background in business, including real estate.
“The president is a successful businessperson and dealmaker. We are his largest client in so many industries,” Carney remarked. “Clients expect respect and working together in a proper commercial way.”
Carney says he “looks forward” to speaking with President Trump. But the fact that it will be a phone call, rather than an in-person visit is telling. Traditionally, the first foreign visit of a Canadian leader is to the US—its closest neighbor and most trusted partner.
Will Britain and Europe Stand by Canada?
On Monday, Carney is expected to meet with King Charles, Canada’s head of state. The British monarch recently expressed his “deepest affection” for Canada and is said to have already written a private letter to the new prime minister.
In his non-political role, the King’s public expressions of support may be limited, but even that sends a message to the American president.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called Canada “an ally, and a very important ally too.” However, last week, the leader of Britain’s Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey, urged Starmer to show more public support for Canada against the “shocking attacks” on its sovereignty.
This may be a week when the adage in diplomacy and politics comes into play—” to do something and be seen to be doing it.”
