Ottawa, March 16, 2025 – The Europe Today: New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will embark on his first foreign trip on Monday, traveling to Paris and London to strengthen diplomatic ties and alliances in the face of ongoing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney’s decision to visit the capital cities of the two countries that played pivotal roles in shaping Canada’s early existence is seen as a strategic move to counter Trump’s repeated attacks on Canada’s sovereignty and economy.
During his swearing-in ceremony on Friday, Carney emphasized the foundational role of three peoples—French, English, and Indigenous—in Canada’s identity, stating, “Canada is fundamentally different from America and will never, ever, in any way shape or form, be part of the United States.” His remarks underscore the growing frustration among Canadians with President Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada, including sweeping tariffs and comments about making the country the 51st U.S. state.
Nelson Wiseman, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, highlighted that “the Trump factor towers over everything else Carney must deal with,” emphasizing the need for the Prime Minister to act decisively on the international stage.
During his trip, Carney will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and later with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. The discussions are expected to focus on diversifying trade relationships and exploring potential responses to Trump’s tariffs, which have placed significant strain on Canada’s economy. Carney, who served as governor of the Bank of England, will also meet with King Charles III, Canada’s head of state.
The visit to the U.K. marks a return for Carney, as he previously made history as the first non-citizen to serve as governor of the Bank of England. In London, Carney will seek to bolster Canada’s trade partnerships with the U.K., a crucial move as the country navigates its post-Brexit economic landscape.
The trip will also take Carney to the Arctic region, where he will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to Arctic security and sovereignty amid growing concerns over U.S. and Russian interests in the area. Experts, including Daniel Béland from McGill University, have underscored the importance of protecting Canada’s Arctic territory, particularly in light of Trump’s rhetoric and the shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Carney has expressed a willingness to engage with President Trump, provided that he respects Canadian sovereignty. While he does not currently plan to visit Washington, he hopes to initiate a phone call with Trump in the near future. Carney’s administration is also reviewing the purchase of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets in the context of the ongoing trade war.
Robert Bothwell, a professor of Canadian history and international relations at the University of Toronto, advised against a direct visit to Washington, citing the often disrespectful treatment shown to Canadian leaders by Trump. “There’s no point in going to Washington,” Bothwell said, emphasizing that any interaction with Trump risks humiliation rather than productive dialogue.
Carney’s diplomatic efforts come at a time when Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, which was facing the prospect of a historic defeat, may benefit from growing public dissatisfaction with Trump’s policies. According to political analysts, Carney’s leadership could shift the political momentum in favor of the Liberals, as the trade war and Trump’s provocations have galvanized national sentiment.
As Carney wraps up his international engagements, he is expected to return to Ottawa and call for a national election within days.
