Carney Slams Trump’s ‘Canada 51st US State’ Remark: ‘Important To Distinguish Wants From Reality’

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s remark on making Canada the ’51st US state’, saying that it was “important to distinguish wants from reality”. He held his first press conference after winning the elections, where he emphasised that his election victory demonstrated the country’s clear desire for independence.<br /><br />He stressed that Canada will never become a part of the US, citing public dialogue and his recent election victory as an evidence of that. Carnet’s Liberal Party made a stunning comeback victory in what is being widely seen as a rebuke of Trump. “Canadians elected a new government to stand up to President Trump and build a strong economy,” he said in his first remarks since since election night.<br /><br />Carney’s reaction comes after Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada should be the 51st US state and mocking former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the “Governor of Canada”.</p>
<p>The Canadian PM stated that “there’ll be zigs and zags” when it comes to negotiations with the US, and that he will “fight for the best deal and will accept the best deal for Canada”.</p>
<h3>Carney To Visit White House On Tuesday</h3>
<p>Mark Carney on Friday also said that he will visit the White House to meet Donald Trump. The high-stakes meeting is scheduled for Tuesday and comes amid Trump’s trade war and annexation threats, Associated Press reported.</p>
<p>”On Tuesday, I had a very constructive call with President Trump, and we agreed to meet next Tuesday in Washington,&rdquo; Carney said. “My government will fight to get the best deal for Canada.”</p>
<p>Carney further emphasised the United Kingdom and France, the oldest allies of Canada, since he became prime minister after Trudeau’s resignation. He reiterated that the old relationship with the US on the basis of steadily increasing integration “is over”.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Speaking about the trade tariffs, Carney expressed his willingness to negotiate with Trump, highlighting that the discussions will be challenging. He also spoke about the need for a win-win agreement, especially in sectors like aluminum, minerals, autos, and energy. “I do not want to negotiate in public; there will be difficult discussions,” he said.<br /><br />The Canadian PM also questioned the tariffs imposed on fentanyl, noting Canada’s progress on this issue while adding that he does not understand the need for fentanyl-related tariffs. “For example, in our view, with the fentanyl-related tariffs, we do not understand why they are still in place. Those negotiations will be complicated.”</p>
<p>On being asked about what Trump expects from the negotiations with Canada, Carney said: “There are some goals that seem to be clear: a trade balance first of all, a stop to fentanyl trafficking, an increase in military spending.”</p>
<p>He emphasised that though Canada seeks cooperation with the US, it won’t compromise its interests.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from news agency ANI.)</em></p>