Reimagining Canada's Future: Mark Carney on Trade, Sovereignty, and Unity

Note: Prime Minister Carey's press conference video below timestamps neet to be vetted still. Use them as a guide only - Chris Herbert.

TL;DR

In a defining address from Montreal, Mark Carney outlined a bold path forward for Canada. Amid rising U.S. tariffs and shifting global dynamics, Carney emphasized sovereignty, trade diversification, and unity.

He declared the era of deep Canada–U.S. integration over and pledged support for workers, Arctic sovereignty, and Charter rights.

A robust Q&A session followed, where Carney addressed the media on issues ranging from trade policy to Quebec law.

Introduction

In a powerful speech at the Port of Montreal, Liberal leader Mark Carney made it clear: Canada’s future will be driven by independence, resilience, and strong values.

With an evolving global order and tensions with the United States escalating, Carney laid out a plan for a self-reliant and sovereign Canadian economy.

Key Points and Insights

Redefining Canada–U.S. Relations: Carney declared the old integration-based model is over. Future negotiations will focus on fairness, not dependence.

Trade Diversification Fund: A new fund will invest in infrastructure to reduce dependence on the U.S. and grow access to global markets.

Clear Non-Negotiables: Supply management and cultural protections will not be included in trade talks.

Support for Workers and Security: Commitments include tax cuts, EI reform, port security, and Arctic military investment.

Charter Rights and Language Protection: The Liberal Party will defend challenges to Quebec’s Bill 96 and the religious symbols ban while promoting French language vitality.

Timeline with Timestamps

00:00–01:53 – Historic context and immigrant legacy at Canada’s ports
01:53–03:30 – Trade threats, new negotiations, and retaliation strategy
03:30–06:30 – Economic measures: EI, tax relief, and Trade Diversification Fund
06:30–08:30 – Port security, drug interdiction, and Arctic readiness
08:30–09:30 – Sovereignty, economic vision, and G7 competitiveness
09:44–32:01 – Full Q&A with Canadian press (see below)

Notable Quotes

“The old relationship we had with the United States is over. We are masters in our own home.”— Mark Carney

“We will never discuss supply management with the U.S. It’s off the table.”— Mark Carney

“Our commitment is to uphold the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and protect all lived identities in Canada.”— Mark Carney

“We can’t go back. But we can go forward—stronger and more united.”— Mark Carney

🎙️ Full Q&A Session with Reporters

Here is the complete transcript of the media Q&A, organized by topic and timestamp:

Q1 | Tariff Exemption for Canada

Question: Donald Trump said that Canada may be exempted from the April 2 tariffs. Is that your understanding from the call that Canada could be exempted?

Answer: The president and I had a very productive and constructive discussion today. We've made progress, but this is just the beginning of negotiations. We will see exactly what the U.S. decides to do on April 2. It remains the case that tariffs are already applied to Canadian goods.

Q2 | Supply Management

Question: Will you exclude supply management from future negotiations with the U.S.?

Answer: From the beginning of my leadership campaign, I’ve been clear: we will never discuss supply management with the U.S. It’s off the table.

Q3 | US–Canada Relations

Question: Can there be a warming of U.S.–Canada relations despite your earlier statement that the relationship cannot go back?

Answer: We've made progress, but the U.S. is undergoing a transformation. This process isn’t about reintegration—the momentum has shifted.

Q4 | Tone of Trump Call

Question: What tone did Donald Trump strike during your call? Was it respectful?

Answer: Very cordial, productive, and focused on progress. It was a leader-to-leader call.

Q5 | Premier Meeting Outcomes

Question: Did the premiers decide anything in today’s meeting?

Answer: The meeting was to debrief and gather input on countermeasures. It was productive.

Q6 | Trump’s Positive Tone

Question: Trump’s tone seems more positive. Do you trust that? Is there a strategy?

Answer: There’s always a strategy in negotiations. We’ve made Canada’s strength known.

Q7 | Sovereignty Assurance

Question: Did you tell Trump that you wouldn’t engage unless he respects Canadian sovereignty?

Answer: Yes. He respected Canada’s sovereignty in both private and public comments.

Q8 | Digital Services Tax

Question: Will you keep the digital services tax or negotiate it?

Answer: Some issues—like culture—are off the table. We’ll only agree to what’s in Canada’s interest.

Q9 | Economic Impact of U.S. Policies

Question: Will Trump’s economic policies cause a U.S. recession, and how would that affect Canada?

Answer: A U.S. recession usually impacts Canada. Trump’s restructuring could slow growth and cause inflation.

Q10 | Auto and Steel Tariffs

Question: Did Trump commit to lifting tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum?

Answer: No. This is just the start of negotiations.

Q11 | Inclusion of Mexico in Talks

Question: Will trade negotiations include Mexico?

Answer: We prefer a trilateral approach, but it’s unclear whether that will happen.

Q12 | Retaliation Against Tariffs

Question: Did you make it clear to Trump that Canada will retaliate?

Answer: Yes. That has been publicly stated.

Q13 | Greenland Sovereignty

Question: What’s your response to U.S. claims that Greenland should be under American control?

Answer: We respect Greenland’s sovereignty and are reinforcing our Arctic presence.

Q14 | Arctic Security and Cooperation

Question: How will Canada counter Russia and China in the North without the Arctic Council?

Answer: Through alliances, diplomacy, and an Arctic ambassador—excluding Russia.

Q15 | Legal Challenges to Bill 96

Question: Will you intervene in legal challenges to Quebec’s Bill 96?

Answer: Yes. We will defend Charter rights while promoting French language.

Q16 | Religious Symbols Ban in Quebec

Question: Will you maintain the federal intervention in Quebec’s religious symbols ban if elected?

Answer: Yes. We are committed to the Charter and inclusive governance.

Conclusion

Mark Carney’s press conference signals a strategic reset for Canada. In a world marked by uncertainty and shifting alliances, Carney's message is one of strength, unity, and proactive leadership.

His responses reflect a leader focused not just on diplomacy—but on defending the heart of Canadian identity.

About the Author

Chris Herbert spearheads Mi6 Agency, emphasizing small business growth and entrepreneurship. On the agency's blog, he offers practical marketing insights and solutions to unique challenges faced by businesses. Herbert advocates for sustainable and responsible growth. His "Rural Entrepreneur Podcast" extends this mission, providing essential advice and experiences for entrepreneurs. He adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing on building sustainable businesses, community engagement, and active participation in entrepreneurial ventures.