New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that his country will not engage in "comprehensive negotiations" with U.S. President Donald Trump until the latter shows the respect that Canada deserves as a sovereign nation. He stated in remarks during his meeting in the capital Ottawa with provincial leaders yesterday, Friday, that Americans themselves will also eventually be harmed by the trade policies implemented by Trump.

He expressed confidence that negotiations with the Trump administration will be conducted comprehensively and with respect, emphasizing that Canada will not negotiate with Trump until it receives "the respect it deserves as a sovereign nation," asserting that this is "not a big ask." Tensions have dominated the relationship between the United States and Canada following Washington's imposition of an additional 25% tariff on imported products from Canada and Mexico at the beginning of March.

For his part, Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario, Canada's largest province, announced on March 10 that they will impose an additional 25% tariff on electricity supplied to U.S. states in response to the tariffs imposed by Washington, in a move the White House warned could lead to "serious consequences." Trump recently reiterated that Canada "should be a U.S. state," claiming it has "exploited" his country for many years. On Friday, Trump stated that Canada has long exploited his country and imposed exorbitant tariffs, adding, "We don't need Canadian products, and supporting them costs us $200 billion a year."

Key Tension Files:

1. Tariffs: Washington imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian products, leading to unprecedented tensions.

2. Canadian Reaction: Ontario imposes a 25% tariff on American electricity in a direct escalation.

3. Trump's Escalatory Rhetoric: Trump stated that Canada has "exploited" the United States for decades and threatened to cut trade support that he says costs Washington $200 billion annually.

4. Carney's Firm Stance: The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that Canada will not enter negotiations unless treated with respect as a sovereign nation.

5. Future of Relations: Carney stressed the importance of building a balanced relationship with the United States, but rejected the idea of Canada being "subordinate" to America.

Trump's escalatory remarks about "Canadian exploitation" have created an atmosphere of concern in Canadian political and economic circles, as both sides face a new phase of tension that could impact the stability of trade between them.

Trump's talk about the integration of Canadians left them in a state of shock. The Canadian Prime Minister confirmed upon taking office that Canada "will not in any way be a part of the United States," hoping that his government and Washington would one day be able to "work together" to serve the interests of both countries.