Trump congratulates Canada’s Carney as they agree to meet in ‘near future’

US President Donald Trump called Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He congratulated Carney on his election victory. They agreed to meet soon.

After the election, both countries will discuss a new economic and security relationship. Trump's trade tariffs and comments about Canada’s sovereignty affected the election. Carney's Liberals are projected to win a minority government, according to CBC.

This result complicates Carney's tasks of negotiating with Trump and addressing domestic issues. He will need support from other political parties to pass legislation. The Liberals may rely on the New Democrats and Bloc Québécois for help.

The Liberals won 169 seats, three short of a majority in the House of Commons. This is a significant turnaround for a party that seemed near collapse months ago. Carney, a former central banker, became prime minister last month after Justin Trudeau resigned.

One area where the Liberals might find support is in helping workers affected by US tariffs. All parties supported this during the campaign. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet suggested a "truce" among parties for stability during trade negotiations with the US.

Blanchet emphasized that Canadians want political stability now. He urged collaboration instead of threats to overthrow the government soon. He also advised Carney to avoid pressing Quebec on certain issues.

On Tuesday, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly commented on Carney's win. She stated that it does not change Trump's plan regarding Canada as America's "51st state." In an interview with BBC, Carney insisted Canada deserves respect from the US.

He stated he would only allow trade partnerships on Canada's terms. Carney dismissed any scenario of Canada becoming a 51st state as impossible. Meanwhile, new US ambassador Pete Hoekstra expressed commitment to improving relations.

Carney has promised action on domestic issues like housing and tax cuts for lower-income Canadians. He also needs to prepare for the G7 summit in June in Alberta.

In Monday’s election, both Liberals and Conservatives gained votes compared to four years ago. The Conservative Party is set to win 144 seats and become the Official Opposition. Smaller parties like the NDP lost support; their vote share dropped by around 12 percentage points.

Voter turnout was 67%. Both Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost their seats in this election. Singh announced he would step down as leader of his party.

Canada will ‘never’ yield to Trump’s threats – Newly elected PM Mark Carney.
Source: BBC.com