'End of an Era': Canada PM Mark Carney declares rift with U.S. over Trump’s tariffs

Hours following US President Donald Trump's declaration of draconian auto tariffs on Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday stated that the era of profound economic, security and military cooperation between the two nations "is over".

"No More Special Relationship"

Carney spoke after Trump's proposed 25 percent tariff on car imports into the United States is set to take effect next week and could prove catastrophic for Canadian auto sector supporting an estimated 500,000 jobsAfter Trump's announcement, Carney dropped out of the race ahead of Canada's April 28 election to return to Ottawa for a meeting of cabinet ministers who are working together on strategy in the trade war with the United States. Further condemning Trump's auto tariffs as "unjustified," Carney stated they were contrary to existing trade agreements between the countries.

U.S.-Canada Relationship

He also cautioned Canadians that Trump had changed relations with the United States permanently and that, no matter any future trade agreement, there would be "no turning back. Carney said, noting that Canada would respond with counter-action to the auto tariffs. We will fight the US tariffs with retaliatory trade measures of our own that will have maximum effect in the United States and minimum effects here in Canada," he added.

Tariff Tensions Explode

Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister on March 14. Traditionally, a newly elected Canadian prime minister places a call with the US president as a high priority soon after coming into office but Trump and Carney have yet to speak. Carney has also said that while he is willing to talk to Trump, he will not hold serious trade talks with Washington until the president addresses Canada with "respect," or halts his continuing annexation threats. There must be honest conversation between us two, and including as it pertains to our security and our economy," he added.