Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that Canada’s close relationship with the United States, once considered a national strength, has become a weakness, warning that the country cannot base its future on expectations of stability from its southern neighbor.
In a video message to Canadians released on Sunday, Carney said Canada must accept that it cannot control disruptions coming from the United States and should not assume that such challenges will simply disappear.
Holding up a toy soldier representing General Isaac Brock, a British military leader who died defending what is now Canada from a U.S. invasion during the War of 1812, Carney referenced historical resistance to American expansion. He also cited Chief Tecumseh, who united Indigenous Nations across the Great Lakes in opposition to U.S. expansion during the same period.
“The situation today feels unique, but we’ve faced down threats like this before,” Carney said.
The remarks come shortly after Carney secured a parliamentary majority for his Liberal government. He has said the election result will strengthen his position in managing ongoing trade tensions with the United States, which were initiated by President Donald Trump.
Canada sends nearly 70% of its exports to the U.S., and is due this year to review the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. U.S. officials have indicated they want significant changes to the deal.
Washington has also imposed tariffs on Canadian exports including steel, aluminum and automobiles. Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada could be annexed as the 51st U.S. state.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently described Canada as a difficult trading partner.
Carney’s office did not explain why the video was released at this time or why historical figures opposing U.S. expansion were highlighted.
The Prime Minister said he will deliver regular public addresses in the coming weeks and months, focusing on economic growth and national sovereignty.
“It’s our country, our future, we are taking back control,” he said.
