Canada’s New Prime Minister Seeks Stronger Ties with France and UK Amid US Tensions

Mark Carney's first international trip as Prime Minister focuses on trade, security, and Arctic sovereignty as Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric strain US-Canada relations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is visiting Paris and London to strengthen trade and defense partnerships with France and the UK, two of Canada's historical allies.
The trip comes as Donald Trump’s administration imposes steep tariffs on Canadian goods and floats the idea of annexing Canada, causing economic and political tensions.
Carney is prioritizing diversification of trade relationships, reducing reliance on the US, which accounts for over 75% of Canada’s exports.
The Prime Minister will also visit Nunavut to reaffirm Canada’s Arctic sovereignty amid concerns over US and Russian interests in the region.
Carney has delayed any visit to Washington, opting instead to focus on building alliances and addressing key domestic and international priorities ahead of a likely election call.