Sep 15, 2026 3:02 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Amid rising tensions in the Canada-U.S. trade war, Prime Minister Mark Carney called the United States a “friend” during his keynote address at an investment summit in Toronto.
Carney said the two countries will always remain neighbours and that Canada will continue to be the United States’ most important partner in several key areas. He acknowledged that the two countries have had disagreements in the past, but said their relationship has remained close.
According to Carney, the relationship works best when there is mutual trust and respect for each other’s traditions and sovereignty. He also expressed hope that when more favourable conditions return in the future, Canada will stand alongside the U.S. as an even stronger partner.
Carney’s comments came as a new 50 per cent tariff imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump took effect on several Canadian goods. Restrictions on Canadian alcohol, motorcycles and some dairy products entering the U.S. are also set to take effect on September 29.

