Pm Carny anounced that a conversation between the Canadian Prime Minister & U.S

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that a conversation between the Canadian Prime Minister and U.S . President Donald Trump is planned to occur following the April 28 election. "The president is awaiting the election results to see who possesses a strong mandate from Canadians," Carney stated during a campaign event in Gander, N.L., on March 24.


In response to a reporter's inquiry about his specific efforts to engage with Trump, Carney described his earlier comments as an "interpretation." He added, "I think it's a reasonable interpretation," and emphasized, "I'm open to a call, but we will discuss matters on our terms as a sovereign nation, not as he might assume, and focus on a comprehensive deal." Since his swearing-in as Prime Minister on March 14, Carney has not yet spoken with Trump. The U.S.
President has previously initiated a trade dispute with Canada and has made comments about the possibility of making Canada the 51st state. Carney's reference to seeking a "comprehensive deal" relates to ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. Recently, the Trump administration has imposed two rounds of tariffs on Canada and is poised to introduce further reciprocal tariffs on all U.S. trade partners on April 2. Last week, Trump remarked that former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his administration were "nasty" to negotiate with, but he also indicated a preference for a Liberal prime minister in light of the upcoming Canadian election. "I think it's easier to deal with a Liberal; they may win, but I don't care either way," he told Fox News on March 18, in response to the host's suggestion that his actions were aiding a Liberal resurgence. Trump's statements regarding Canada's sovereignty and the implications of his tariffs are expected to be significant themes in the election campaign that Carney initiated on March 23 by requesting the governor general to dissolve Parliament. The latest Abacus Data poll indicates that voters prioritize issues such as the rising cost of living and Trump's policies. During his second campaign event in Gander, Carney extensively addressed these themes, suggesting that Trump's intentions are to undermine Canada and push for a merger, and asserted, "We will not let that happen." He added, "We have moved past the shock of betrayal, but we must remember the lessons. We need to look out for ourselves and one another." Carney chose Gander as a campaign stop to honor the community spirit shown when residents welcomed 68 diverted flights after the September 2001 terrorist attacks, which doubled the city's population. He cited this as evidence of the "unbreakable bond" between Canadians and Americans. After triggering the election, Carney called for a snap vote as polls revealed the Liberals had narrowed a previous 20-point gap with the Conservatives. The latest Abacus poll indicates the Conservatives lead with 39 percent of the voter intention, compared to the Liberals at 36 percent. A Nanos poll from March 20 shows 35 percent support for the Conservatives and 34 percent for the Liberals, while a Léger poll from March 17 has the Liberals at 42 percent and the Conservatives at 39 percent. On March 23, the day Carney called for the election, he made his first campaign promise by proposing a 1 percent tax reduction for the lowest income-tax bracket. In response, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre committed on March 24 to reducing the rate from 15 percent to 12.75 percent for the same group. Carney arrived in Newfoundland on March 23, where his rally faced protests from fish harvesters concerned about cuts to snow crab harvesting. He acknowledged the protesters, stating, "We're all here for sustainable fisheries and livelihoods, and we will ensure that it happens." By Noé Chartier