Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Sunday he had a “good conversation” with President Donald Trump about ending their trade dispute, just two days after saying Canada could wait for a new U.S. administration rather than accept an unfavorable agreement.
Carney Previously Warned Canada Could Wait
In an X post, Carney said their Saturday call built on “constructive discussions” toward a mutually beneficial agreement protecting Canadian jobs, affordability, culture and sovereignty. “Our teams will now be working in the coming weeks to deliver that outcome,” he added.
The optimism contrasts with Carney’s Friday warning, when he said that Ottawa would rather wait for Trump’s successor than sign an agreement undermining Canadian interests.
“What is happening is that every month that goes by, Canada grows stronger,” Carney said. “Our options increase.” He maintained that Canada would not conclude a deal merely to end negotiations.
Meanwhile, Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre urged Carney to deliver results, arguing that struggling autoworkers and businesses cannot afford another two-and-a-half years of uncertainty.
Trump Floats Keystone XL Pipeline Revival
Speaking to reporters Sunday in Iowa, Trump said Washington had the “concept” of an agreement that would benefit American farmers.
“They’re going to build the Keystone Pipeline,” Trump said, adding, “They’re going to pay for it.”
The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would transport approximately 830,000 barrels of Canadian crude daily. Former President Joe Biden revoked its permit in 2021, while its potential revival remains uncertain.
Tariff Disputes Remain Despite Renewed Negotiations
The apparent breakthrough follows renewed discussions over steel and automotive tariffs ahead of Tuesday’s midterms.
Negotiations collapsed in August after Canada rejected American demands concerning sovereignty, French-language protections and automobiles. Washington subsequently imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion in Canadian goods, prompting retaliation.
Carney has since pushed to diversify Canada’s trade relationships and reduce dependence on Washington.
Despite both leaders’ encouraging remarks, neither government has announced a finalized agreement or resolved the underlying tariff disputes.
