Carney says Canada 'in stronger position' in trade war, as premiers back call for unity

CHARLOTTETOWN — Prime Minister Mark Carney’s comments Thursday that the response to the “threat” of U.S. antagonism to Canada is “unity” among the regions were backed by several premiers at the first minister’s meeting in Charlottetown.

Carney made the remarks as he joined the premiers in the conference that began Tuesday. On Monday, the Trump administration announced new 50 per cent tariffs on targeted Canadian imports , ostensibly in retaliation over barriers in Canada, including tariffs on U.S. autos and provincial alcohol boycotts.

The recent U.S. trade actions are “unilateral (and) unwarranted,” Carney said Thursday.

“We know in our bones today, that our unity is our greatest strength,” he said, comparing the moment to the push for Confederation that began in 1864 as a bulwark against American expansionism. He said it’s “clear that we are in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started 18 months ago.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters he was counting on Ottawa to manage the situation.

“It’s a Team Canada approach led by the prime minister, and that’s what we’re going to focus on,” Ford said. “We’ll take his lead, and we all have to be united.”

“You know, it’s very hard to deal with President Trump when he changes his mind every single day,” Ford said. “One day, the prime minister is with him side by side, and next thing you know, President (Donald) Trump turns on him like a rabid dog.”

He said he expects a response soon to the latest tariffs, which follow several other trade actions against Canada from the White House over the last year. Ford said earlier this week that he thinks Canada “need(s) to be on the offence” against the Trump administration, and has raised again his preference for blocking energy and potash exports to the U.S.

“I don’t expect to strike today, but hopefully, in the next two weeks,” Ford said Thursday. He said his province is willing to put “everything on the table” in response to the latest tariff threat.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who has suggested a less combative approach with the U.S. in reaching a final trade agreement, nevertheless expressed support for the call for unity among the provinces and Ottawa.

“Both Doug and I agree wholeheartedly on that,” Moe told reporters.

Carney named “nation-building projects” as an example of why he believes Canada has gotten stronger in the face of U.S. trade aggression. He mentioned the announcement this morning that the federal government is providing $5.9 million for planning work to support a new undersea electricity cable project between New Brunswick and P.E.I.

“New Brunswick is the Maritimes’ energy hub,” said New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt. Her province’s investment in nuclear energy has led to her province being a major energy provider to the Maritimes.

LIVE: Meeting with Canada’s Premiers • EN DIRECT : Rencontre avec les PM provinciaux et territoriaux https://t.co/6KrePXtJB9

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) July 23, 2026

National Post slewis@postmedia.com

• Manitoba premier says he is 'open to' Alberta-Ontario oil pipeline proposal
• Premiers call on Ottawa to return to paying 50% of health-care costs

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.