Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to make his inaugural official trip to Paris with the aim of strengthening backing from one of Canada’s time-honored allies amid ongoing criticisms from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Canada’s sovereignty and economic policies.
Following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, he will travel to London for an audience with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, who also serves as Canada’s head of state.
Carney specifically selected the two European capital cities that were pivotal during Canada’s formative years, avoiding any interaction with Trump for the time being.
At his inauguration, he highlighted that the nation was founded upon the foundational basis of three distinct groups: French, English, and Indigenous peoples. Carney stated that Canada is inherently unlike the U.S. and will “never, ever, under any circumstances, become part of the United States.”
Following Trump taking office, he introduced tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports and frequently stated his desire to make Canada the “51st state.”
These actions have angered Canadians and initiated a movement to boycott American goods throughout the nation.
Trump has also threatened to impose sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products on 2 April.
On Monday, a high-ranking Canadian government representative updated journalists, stating that the objective of the visit is to strengthen collaborations with London and Paris.
The official, requesting confidentiality, stated that Ottawa is considered a “close ally of the U.S., yet everyone understands the current situation.”
Before meeting with Macron at the Élysée Palace, Carney plans to tour the Notre Dame Cathedral. Nonetheless, Macron is unlikely to participate in a shared press conference with Carney, indicating that the French president may be cautious about appearing too supportive of Canada due to potential concerns over offending Trump.
Prior to his return to Ottawa on Tuesday, Carney will head to the northernmost part of Canada’s Arctic region to “strengthen Canada’s commitment to Arctic security and sovereignty.”
“The selection of this route for Prime Minister Carney’s inaugural official visit underscores the significant bond between Canada and the Arctic, along with its enduring connections to the two previous colonial powers. On one hand, these ties persist via the Commonwealth with regard to the United Kingdom, and on the other, through La Francophonie concerning France,” explained Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.
The peaceful manner in which Canada did not sever ties with the UK distinguishes it historically and institutionally from the United States, making Canada a constitutional monarchy instead of a republic that maintains a British-style parliamentary framework.
No Washington trip planned
The former central banker, Carney, has stated that he would be willing to meet with Trump provided that Trump respects Canada’s sovereignty.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that he has no immediate plans to go to Washington, but he looks forward to speaking with the president over the phone shortly.
His administration is likewise examining the acquisition of US-built F-35 combat aircraft due to the escalating trade conflict.
In the meantime, Macron has intensified his attempts to convince France’s partners to shift their focus away from buying U.S. military equipment, aligning with Canada’s reconsideration of the F-35s.
This aligns with growing doubts and worries in Europe about the continent’s excessive reliance on American weapons, technological assistance, and cooperation for its defense needs.
On Sunday, Carney had a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and extended an invitation for him to attend the G7 summit this summer, being hosted by Canada.
Trump said he would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday as he pushes to end Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
It is anticipated that Carney will announce the election by the end of the week, with the poll scheduled for late April or early May.
