Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for changes to the US-led global order and said Canada will not yield to pressure from President Donald Trump. In speeches in Davos, Switzerland, in January and in Ottawa on August 22, Carney argued that the post-Second World War US-centred system can no longer be relied upon as before.

In Ottawa, during a 23-minute address, Carney explained Canada’s decision to withdraw from trade talks with the United States. He said US demands made at the final stage were unacceptable and rejected the use of economic ties as a tool for political pressure. Trump responded angrily on social media, criticising Canadian leaders and making controversial comments about Canadian sovereignty.

Carney cited economic interdependence, saying Canada imports large volumes of US goods while nearly 99 percent of US natural gas comes from Canada. The United States has imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Canadian products, and Canada plans retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion in US goods from September 8. Carney also said Canada would diversify its economy and deepen ties with Europe, Asia and other countries.