Prime Minister Mark Carney is facing significant criticism after his dismissive response to questions about communication with U.S. President Donald Trump, even as American tariffs continue to impact Canadian industries.
'Who Cares?' Remark Draws Criticism
During a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Carney was asked by CBC reporter Ashley Burke about whether President Trump had returned his calls or texts. When Burke followed up to clarify if he had spoken with the American president recently, Carney responded with a flippant "Who cares? I mean, it's a detail. It's a detail."
The Prime Minister added that he had spoken to Trump previously and would "speak to him again when it matters," further stating he didn't have "a burning issue to speak with the president about right now."
Canadian Workers Bear the Brunt
Carney's comments come at a time when American tariffs are directly affecting Canadian workers across multiple sectors. Steel workers, aluminum workers, and auto industry employees have experienced job losses and reduced hours due to the trade measures implemented by the Trump administration.
The Prime Minister's casual dismissal of communication with the American president appears particularly tone-deaf to workers in industrial centers like Sault Ste. Marie, home to Algoma Steel, and Hamilton, where Stelco and Dofasco operations have been impacted. These communities rely on strong Canada-U.S. trade relations for their economic stability.
Failed Negotiations and Current Stance
The relationship between the two leaders appeared more promising during their October 7, 2025 meeting at the White House. During that visit, Trump reportedly instructed his Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to "make a deal with Canada happen." This marked the first clear direction from Trump to his team to reach an agreement with Canada.
However, negotiations collapsed shortly afterward. While the failure was publicly attributed to an Ontario tariff advertisement by Premier Doug Ford, multiple officials suggested there were deeper issues at play. The American negotiating team had proposed implementing baseline tariffs moving forward, while the discussions failed to address needed support for Canada's auto sector.
Carney's current administration has adopted a new approach, with Ottawa sources suggesting it's better to avoid conversations with Trump and wait out the situation rather than actively pursuing a resolution.
Political Fallout and Worker Concerns
The Prime Minister's comments create challenges for Liberal MPs representing regions affected by the tariffs. Members of Parliament like Terry Sheehan in Sault Ste. Marie and Lisa Hepfner in Hamilton now face difficult questions about how they can credibly support local workers when their leader dismisses the importance of discussing tariff relief with the American president.
Carney's stance represents a significant shift from his previous reputation as a "Trump whisperer" who other world leaders reportedly consulted for advice on dealing with the American president. His staff had previously promoted this image to international journalists, including CNN's Christiane Amanpour.
With business investment in Canada facing uncertainty due to the ongoing trade disputes, many analysts believe securing a deal with the United States should remain a top priority for the Canadian government, rather than being dismissed as an unimportant detail.
