IRIA News

6 minute read

Canada’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney made a bold statement by choosing Europe as the destination for his first official foreign visit. His trip emphasizes the need for Canada to work with “reliable allies”.

Standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 17, 2025, Carney underscored the importance of Canada and Europe’s economic collaboration over confrontation.

“It’s more important than ever that Canada reinforces its ties with our reliable allies like France,” Carney declared, deliberately emphasizing the word “reliable” in French while looking directly at Macron. The comment was widely interpreted as a diplomatic snub toward Washington, where trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. continue to escalate.

Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney said in a statement, “Canada was built upon a union of peoples – Indigenous, French, and British. My visit to France and the United Kingdom will strengthen trade, commercial, and defense ties with two of our strongest and most reliable partners.”

You have chosen France for your first visit abroad: it is a great honor and it highlights the importance of the relationship between Canada and France. Very happy to welcome you, dear @MarkJCarney. pic.twitter.com/eGBFzC9hRZ

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 17, 2025

Carney’s trip to France and the UK comes amid a turbulent economic climate. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, prompting retaliatory measures from Ottawa. The European Commission has also signaled readiness to respond to Washington’s trade policies.

“Most European of non-European countries”

Carney, a former banker with extensive experience in international finance, used the visit to position Canada as a steadfast partner to Europe. “I want to ensure that France and all of Europe work enthusiastically with Canada, the most European of non-European countries,” he stated a remark that coincided with a growing domestic interest in Canada potentially joining the European Union.

A recent Abacus Data survey found that 44% of Canadians support joining the EU, while 34% oppose the idea. However, EU membership remains restricted to European nations, making the proposal more symbolic than practical.

President Macron echoed Carney’s concerns about trade, emphasizing that “fair trade that respects international rules is good for everyone’s prosperity. Certainly, more effective than inflation-creating tariffs that damage production chains and the integration of our economies.”

The Canadian prime minister and French president also highlighted shared economic opportunities in artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Canadian elections

While Carney projects the image of a world leader, his domestic position remains uncertain. He was elected as Liberal leader with a resounding 86% of party support after Justin Trudeau stepped down. However, he has yet to win a seat in Parliament or secure a direct electoral mandate from Canadians.

With an election expected as early as this month, Carney must quickly adapt to retail politics—engaging with voters in both English and French. The Liberal Party, once projected to face a decisive defeat, is now tied in the polls with the Conservatives, thanks to what some call a “Trump bump” and a “Trudeau decline”.

G7 foreign ministers meet in Canada

As the foreign ministers of G7 countries were gathering in Quebec, Canada made headlines with a humorous diplomatic gesture. When U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived for the meeting, he was welcomed with an unusually small red carpet, barely extending beyond the airplane stairs. The image quickly went viral, with social media users poking fun at the apparent slight.

Rubio’s visit came at a time when U.S. allies, including Canada, are voicing strong opposition to Trump’s trade policies. While in Canada, Rudio met with foreign ministers from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan—most of whom have expressed frustration over the U.S.’s aggressive economic stance.

The G7 stressed “robust and credible security arrangements” for Ukraine. Trump, however, ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine, a stance favored by Putin. Rubio said Trump preferred avoiding new sanctions but kept options open. Rubio praised recent U.S. diplomacy, expressing “cautious optimism” for a truce.

Rubio commended Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly for securing “strong G7 unity.” Joly criticized Trump’s tariffs and his remarks mocking Canadian sovereignty.

The G7 also called for a permanent Gaza ceasefire and “unhindered humanitarian aid,” hinting at a policy shift in Trump’s pro-Israel stance.

A tense U.S.-Canada relationship

Canada’s growing rift with the U.S. is not just about tariffs. Trump has openly belittled Canada’s leadership, at one point referring to former Prime Minister Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau,” fueling speculation about further diplomatic and economic clashes. Meanwhile, 91% of Canadians reject any notion of becoming the U.S.’s 51st state.

Despite the escalating tensions, Carney has signaled a willingness to engage with the U.S. shortly after taking office, Carney took a softer approach when discussing Trump, acknowledging their shared backgrounds in business. “The president is a successful businessperson and dealmaker. We are his largest client in so many industries. Clients expect respect and working together in a proper commercial way,” he said.

However, the fact that Carney’s first call with Trump will be over the phone, rather than an in-person meeting, underscores the current state of relations. Traditionally, new Canadian prime ministers visit Washington first, highlighting the deep historical ties between the two nations. Carney’s decision to prioritize France and the UK instead is seen as a strategic move to strengthen Canada’s position against U.S. economic pressure.

Visit to the UK

Carney’s next stop is the UK, where he will meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III. The British monarch, Canada’s head of state, has expressed “deepest affection” for Canada and reportedly sent a private letter congratulating Carney.

Starmer, on the other hand, has publicly reaffirmed Canada’s status as a crucial ally. However, opposition leader Ed Davey has urged the UK to take a stronger stance against Trump’s “shocking attacks” on Canadian sovereignty.

As Carney continues his European tour, Canadians back home are watching closely. His ability to navigate these diplomatic waters while preparing for an imminent election will determine whether he can transition from an unelected party leader to a legitimate prime minister with a voter mandate.