Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is embarking on his first international trip, heading to Paris and London on Monday to strengthen alliances as he navigates growing tensions
with U.S. President Donald Trump over Canada’s sovereignty and economy.
Carney’s choice of destinations is symbolic—both France and the United Kingdom played crucial roles in shaping Canada’s early history. At his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, he emphasized Canada’s unique identity, built on the foundations of French, English, and Indigenous heritage. He made it clear that Canada is distinct from its southern neighbor, declaring, "We will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be part of the United States."
Addressing the "Trump factor"
Political analysts suggest that the primary driver behind Carney’s European trip is the escalating tension with President Trump. "The Trump factor towers over everything else Carney must deal with," said Nelson Wiseman, professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.
Carney, who turned 60 on Sunday, will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris before traveling to London to discuss trade diversification with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. With Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Carney is looking to strengthen economic ties beyond North America.
During his visit to the U.K., Carney will also meet with King Charles III. The trip serves as a homecoming of sorts for Carney, who was the first non-British citizen to serve as Governor of the Bank of England in its 300-year history.
Strengthening Arctic sovereignty
After his European meetings, Carney will travel to Canada’s Arctic region to reaffirm the country's sovereignty—a response to Trump’s provocative comments about Canada and Greenland, as well as growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. His government is closely watching the evolving U.S.-Russia relationship, given the strategic importance of the region.
Upon his return to Ottawa, Carney is expected to call a federal election within days, with recent tensions with Trump reshaping the political landscape in Canada.
A new political landscape
Trump’s trade war and his repeated claims that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state have sparked outrage among Canadians. Many are boycotting American goods, and Carney’s government is reassessing the planned purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in response to the ongoing dispute.
Just months ago, Canada’s governing Liberal Party was on the verge of a historic electoral defeat. However, Trump’s hostile rhetoric has shifted public sentiment, giving Carney and his party a potential path to victory.
Avoiding Washington—for now
Carney has stated he is open to speaking with Trump but insists it must be on terms that respect Canada’s sovereignty. He does not currently plan to visit Washington but hopes to hold a phone call with the U.S. president soon.
Robert Bothwell, a historian and international relations expert at the University of Toronto, supports Carney’s decision to avoid an in-person meeting. "There’s no point in going to Washington," Bothwell said. "As Trudeau’s experience showed, Trump’s meetings often serve as an opportunity to humiliate his guests rather than engage in meaningful dialogue."
McGill University political scientist Daniel Béland emphasized the importance of Canada reducing its economic dependence on the U.S., noting that more than 75% of Canada’s exports go south of the border. "Diversifying trade is critical in light of Trump’s economic policies," Béland said. He also underscored the importance of Arctic sovereignty, given Trump's past remarks and shifting global alliances.
As Carney navigates this high-stakes geopolitical landscape, his ability to balance international diplomacy with domestic concerns will be crucial in shaping Canada’s future. Photo by World Economic Forum, Wikimedia commons.