Overview

• Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet finalized a unified mandate letter outlining priorities such as building the strongest G7 economy, reducing reliance on U.S. trade, and reinforcing Canadian sovereignty.
• Carney and President Trump held their first face-to-face meeting on May 6, where Trump reiterated his '51st state' rhetoric, which Carney firmly rejected, emphasizing Canada's independence.
• The two leaders agreed to launch comprehensive trade and security discussions, though no immediate breakthroughs, including tariff relief, were achieved.
• Carney pledged retaliatory measures against planned U.S. auto tariffs and announced a pivot toward strengthening ties with Europe and other global partners.
• The new minority Parliament will convene next week, with Carney's first speech from the throne expected to outline strategies for economic growth and national security.