Prime Minister Mark Carney found himself in damage control mode on Tuesday as he walked back controversial comments made about trade negotiations with the United States during a recent international summit.
House of Commons Confrontation
The political firestorm erupted during question period in the House of Commons, where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre directly challenged Carney over his Sunday remarks at the G20 conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The prime minister had responded to a CBC reporter's question about communication with U.S. President Donald Trump with a dismissive "Who cares?" that quickly drew criticism from opposition parties.
Poilievre highlighted what he characterized as Carney's shifting positions, noting that before the election, the prime minister had promised an "elbows up" approach and described tariffs as an "existential crisis." Now, Poilievre asserted, Carney seemed to view the same issues as less urgent.
Carney's Mea Culpa
Facing pointed questions from the Opposition, Carney offered what amounted to a public apology for his choice of words. "When I make a mistake, I'll admit it. That was a poor choice of words about a serious issue," Carney told Parliament on November 25, 2025.
The prime minister referenced his election night promise to Canadians that he would acknowledge errors when they occurred. His backtracking came after he had initially doubled down on his dismissive tone during the G20 gathering, telling reporters that speaking with Trump was "a detail" and that he would "speak to him again when it matters."
Broader Trade Context
The diplomatic incident occurs against a backdrop of suspended trade negotiations between Canada and the United States. Talks were abruptly halted last month after President Trump reacted negatively to an advertisement funded by the Ontario government that featured former U.S. president Ronald Reagan speaking against tariffs.
Although Carney had previously apologized to Trump for the ads, trade discussions remain frozen. The prime minister indicated during Tuesday's question period that more federal assistance for sectors affected by tariffs would be announced later this week.
Looking ahead, Carney is reportedly considering a trip to Washington next week to attend a FIFA World Cup event, potentially providing an opportunity for informal diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing trade impasse.
