Carney slams Trump tariff demands, unveils $7.5B bailout package during caucus address
· Toronto Sun
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OTTAWA — Canada couldn’t accept what was offered, and the United States wasn’t willing to offer what it needed.
And to help key sectors impacted by U.S. tariffs, the PM announced $7.5 billion in new funding.
That was the message Prime Minister Mark Carney brought to the launch of his government’s pre-session caucus retreat, set to take over Parliament Hill on Friday and Saturday.
Carney used the speech to position his government on a firm war footing as the Trump White House continues its trade war against Canada, while touting hundreds of billions of dollars in domestic investment.
“We knew what the values of Canadians are. It wasn’t tough to draw the red lines,” he told Liberal MPs inside the West Block caucus room.
“They offered too little, we couldn’t accept it. They asked for too much, we wouldn’t give it.”
Summer of trade conflict
Much has transpired since the House of Commons rose for its summer break in mid-June.
The United States refused to agree to a 16-year extension of CUSMA, triggering annual reviews to keep the treaty intact.
Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. broke down after the Trump White House made what Canada viewed as unrealistic demands, including strict caps on Canadian steel exports, restrictions on Canada’s auto sector, an end to federal “buy Canadian” procurement policies and the repeal of French-language laws in Quebec.
That triggered the U.S. to summarily impose a 50% tariff on $28 billion worth of Canadian imports, prompting Canada to reciprocate.
“When the U.S. is ready to return to the bargaining table, we will come there ready to strike a deal in good faith — one that respects our sovereignty,” he said.
“And one that fundamentally does what we know is possible, which is to promote jobs and growth on both sides of the border.”
To assist industries impacted by American tariffs, Carney announced a new $7.5 billion aid package.
“On top of the $25 billion of support we’ve already announced, we’re adding an additional $7.5 billion in new help,” he said.
“It means fast access to capital for small businesses, income support and retraining for workers who need it, and targeted help for sectors that are hit hardest — autos, forestry, steel, aluminum.”
The House of Commons begins its fall session on Monday.