Carney says Canada will not accept U.S. trade deal without viable auto sector
Speaking in Manila, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa will not sign a trade agreement with the United States unless it supports a viable Canadian auto industry. He noted progress following talks with President Donald Trump and addressed Stellantis' obligations and limits on Chinese investment.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that his government will not settle for a trade deal with the United States unless it is consistent with a viable Canadian auto sector. Carney made the remarks at a news conference in Manila on Saturday, three months after Canada withdrew from trade negotiations due to last-minute demands from Washington regarding the auto industry.
Carney revealed he held a long, substantive conversation this week with U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Trump's chief of staff Stephen Miller were also on the line during the discussion. The prime minister noted that the American automotive market relies in part on Canadian manufacturing and that the continental industry faces challenges related to production speed and electrification.
Addressing foreign involvement in the sector, Carney said Chinese investment in Canada's auto industry is restricted to a set timeline and amount of vehicles. These restrictions are subject to reassessment based on factors including integration into the U.S. automotive sector.
Carney also reiterated that Ottawa feels automaker Stellantis has not met its obligations after accepting federal funds. The concern follows an announcement that Stellantis plans to sell its assembly plant in Brampton, Ont., to defence contractor Roshel.