Prime Minister Mark Carney used a New York Economic Club address to argue that Canada’s push to lessen reliance on the United States will ultimately aid American interests, and to reassure markets of resilient trade. He said a stronger, more independent Canada makes a better ally and cited the long‑standing ability of the two nations to resolve disputes despite deep‑rooted shared values.

Carney warned that rapid U.S.‑driven technological change is fracturing global markets, and that Washington’s tariff regime on Canadian steel, aluminum and autos threatens key sectors. He urged a swift return to tariff‑free auto trade as the most durable defence against intensifying competition, noting Canada’s role as a major supplier of oil, gas, potash and critical minerals and to protect Canadian jobs.

During the same visit Carney met New York investors, touting a campaign to draw $1 trillion of capital into Canada over five years and signalling openness to deeper North‑American integration, even suggesting limited alignment with Trump‑era protectionism to preserve the USMCA while emphasizing the need for diversified export routes. Analysts say the overture underscores Canada’s constrained options as U.S. tariffs persist.