Carney says Canada will support workers and businesses amid U.S. tariff dispute

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will take whatever steps are necessary to protect and support Canadians, families, workers and businesses as trade tensions with the United States continue.

Carney made the remarks Thursday during the final day of the annual meeting of Canada's provincial and territorial premiers in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. According to the prime minister, discussions focused heavily on U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose a new 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.

Carney said Canada is in a stronger position than it was when the trade dispute began 18 months ago, citing the resilience of Canadians and coordination among provincial and territorial leaders. He said governments across the country are working together to strengthen Canada's economic position.

The prime minister also said the federal government is building a broader international trade network to reduce Canada's reliance on a single market. He said Ottawa intends to double Canada's access to global markets by the end of this year.