Prime Minister Mark Carney has met with business leaders from across Canada to discuss the country’s worsening trade relationship with the United States and Ottawa’s plans to strengthen economic growth and resilience.
The meeting comes as Canada faces growing uncertainty over its trading relationship with its largest economic partner. The U.S.-Canada trade dispute has intensified in recent months, with tariffs and counter-tariffs placing additional pressure on businesses and supply chains.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney’s discussions with business leaders focused on recent developments in Canada-U.S. trade as well as the government’s broader priorities for promoting investment and economic growth.
The talks come as Ottawa seeks to reduce Canada’s vulnerability to disruptions in the American market. Carney has repeatedly argued that Canada needs to diversify its trade relationships and strengthen domestic economic capacity as tensions with Washington persist.
Canada and the United States have highly integrated economies, meaning prolonged tariffs can affect manufacturers, exporters, retailers and consumers in both countries. Industries with cross-border supply chains face particular challenges as companies contend with higher costs and uncertainty over future trade rules.
The meeting also comes as Carney prepares to host a major investment summit in Toronto, where his government is seeking to attract substantial international investment into Canadian projects. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the economy and reducing dependence on the United States by expanding opportunities in sectors including energy, mining, infrastructure, defense and artificial intelligence.
Carney has maintained that Canada remains open to a trade agreement with Washington if it serves Canadian interests. At the same time, the prime minister has signaled that Ottawa will not accept an agreement it considers unfavorable to Canadian workers and businesses.
The latest discussions underscore the growing role of Canadian businesses in Ottawa’s response to the trade conflict. As the dispute continues, companies are being encouraged to explore new markets, strengthen domestic supply chains and prepare for a potentially prolonged period of uncertainty.
The government’s challenge will be to protect Canadian businesses from the immediate effects of the trade war while creating new opportunities for long-term economic growth.
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