Overview
- In a 10-minute video Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada’s reliance on U.S. trade has become a weakness as new tariffs hit autos, steel and lumber.
- Ottawa named a Canada–U.S. Economic Relations Advisory Council led by Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, with its first meeting set for April 27.
- The plan, branded Canada Strong, seeks to diversify export markets and attract investment to reduce exposure to U.S. policy shifts.
- U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said a deal is still possible, though less ambitious, with talks continuing ahead of a July review of the Canada–U.S.–Mexico trade pact.
- Reaction split at home, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accusing Carney of pushing fear as some premiers backed trade diversification and urged care in dealing with Washington.