Commonwealth_ Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has expressed concerns about the country’s longstanding dependence on the United States, suggesting that Canada has been “over-reliant on the US for too long.” As part of Canada’s efforts to diversify its international relationships, Joly emphasized the importance of forging closer ties with the United Kingdom and the European Union. She pointed out that Canada shares deep cultural and historical links with Europe, referring to Canada as “the most European of all non-European countries,” highlighting the desire to strengthen bonds with European nations moving forward.
Joly’s comments came shortly after a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, where the leaders discussed a potential new partnership between the two countries. The relationship between the US and Canada has been strained recently due to contentious issues, particularly President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canada’s auto, aluminum, and steel industries, and his controversial remarks suggesting Canada would be better off as a US state. Despite these tensions, the meeting between Carney and Trump seemed to signal a potential “fresh start” for US-Canada relations, with Joly noting that both leaders were optimistic about moving forward.
However, while the meeting provided a platform for dialogue, the question of removing tariffs on Canadian goods remained unresolved. Trump was initially non-committal about the tariffs, stating only that they would discuss various issues. Later, he told reporters that there was nothing that Carney could present to change his stance on the tariffs. The US president had previously imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico, as well as sector-specific import taxes on cars. Although some of these tariffs have been suspended pending further negotiations, the situation continues to be a source of frustration and anxiety for many Canadians.
Joly acknowledged the widespread concern the tariffs have caused within Canada, explaining that the tariffs became a key issue in the recent Canadian election, with many people losing their jobs and families being affected by the trade restrictions. She emphasized that her role, along with the prime minister’s, was to ensure that Canada defends its economic interests and works toward resolving these issues in a fair and equitable manner. Despite the current difficulties, Joly expressed confidence that Canada was taking the right steps toward asserting its sovereignty and securing a better future for its citizens.
Carney, who attended the meeting with Trump, clarified it that he had pressed the president on the need to lift the tariffs, and he found Trump to be open to further negotiations. Although the outcome of these discussions is still uncertain, Carney’s diplomatic efforts seem to have laid the groundwork for future talks on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
After returning to Ottawa, Prime Minister Carney briefed provincial leaders on his trip. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, while acknowledging the challenges in dealing with President Trump, praised Carney’s restraint during the negotiations. Ford described the meeting as a positive step toward rebuilding a stronger relationship between Canada and the US, even in the face of ongoing challenges. Carney is now focused on assembling his new cabinet, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming week, ahead of Canada’s parliamentary session later this month.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts, Canada is also preparing for a historic moment. On May 27, King Charles III will formally open Canada’s parliament, marking the first time a monarch has done so since 1977. This visit is being considered another important symbol of Canada’s sovereignty and independence, signaling the country’s continued commitment to maintaining strong ties with both the British monarchy and its European allies.
Further underscoring Canada’s global role, the country is set to host the G7 summit in June, where President Trump is expected to attend. The summit will provide another opportunity for Canada to assert its position on the global stage and continue pushing for a more diversified approach to foreign relations. In light of recent challenges with the US, Joly’s remarks about strengthening ties with Europe and other partners are considered part of Canada’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in global diplomacy and trade.
Canada’s foreign policy approach is evolving, with a clear focus on diversifying its relationships while continuing to defend its sovereignty and economic interests. The outcomes of ongoing discussions with the US, along with Canada’s efforts to strengthen ties with the UK and the EU, will shape the country’s international standing in the years to come.
