U.S. President Donald Trump (Donald Trump) said at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday (April 30) that Canadian new Prime Minister Mark Carney (Mark Carney) would visit the White House "within a week or earlier" and described him as "a very kind gentleman." This statement was seen as a signal that the tense relations between the two countries might ease.

In recent months, the relationship between Canada and the United States has remained tense, with tariff disputes over goods ranging from groceries to automotive parts leading to a prolonged trade war between the two countries. Trump has repeatedly made headlines for suggesting that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state and calling former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the "governor."

"Let's Make a Deal" - Trump Said Carney Has Already Reached Out

Trump revealed that he had already contacted Carney after his victory in the election. "I think we will build a very good relationship," Trump said in his speech. "Yesterday he called me and said 'let's make a deal.'"

It is reported that before the election, Carney had mentioned that regardless of who won the Canadian election, new economic and security negotiations between Canada and the U.S. would begin.

Now that Carney has been elected, the two are expected to renegotiate the core document guiding their trade relations, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA).

Trump: "Conservatives Hate Me More!"

Although during the election, almost all mainstream political parties in Canada had a negative attitude toward Trump, Trump himself did not shy away from this: "All candidates hate me."

But he added: "I actually think conservatives hate me more than so-called 'liberals.'" These remarks were clearly aimed at Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre rather than newly elected Liberal Party leader Carney.

Despite the signals released by the U.S., the prime minister's office has yet to confirm the specific visit schedule. However, from Trump's proactive approach and high-profile statements, it seems that the next round of engagement between Canada and the U.S. is imminent.

This meeting presents multiple challenges for Carney.

During the federal election in Canada, "how to deal with Trump" became one of the core issues in the campaign strategies of various parties. In response, Carney repeatedly promised to expand Canada's global trade network and reduce dependence on the U.S. market, enhancing national economic autonomy.

Carney reiterated at his victory speech in Ottawa that Canada needs to develop economically independently to avoid deepening commercial crises.

He said: "Our old relationship with the U.S., which was built on steady integration, has ended. These are tragedies, but they are our new reality."

The victory of Marco Carney represents an important shift in Canada's political landscape. As a former central bank governor and senior advisor to the International Monetary Fund, Carney is known for being tough but rational. During the election campaign, he repeatedly emphasized that "the U.S. wants to get its hands on Canada's land and resources, but that will never happen."

This meeting with Trump may not only involve ceremonial handshakes but also involve deeper adjustments in future economic and security relations between Canada and the U.S. For the Canadian public, especially middle-class families struggling with inflation, housing prices, and energy costs, the arrangement of Canada-U.S. trade may directly affect price levels, job opportunities, and the direction of energy policies.

In addition, the current government of Carney is in a phase where two main lines run parallel: on one hand, he must quickly form a new cabinet and establish a core governing team, and recall parliament around May 26; on the other hand, how to handle relations with the U.S. and promote a new direction in Canada-U.S. relations is also a political task that cannot be ignored.

According to insiders within the Liberal Party, the initial government of Carney will also push for tax cuts, fulfilling the promise made during the campaign to reduce the lowest tax rate by 1 percentage point. In addition, he promised to solve domestic inter-provincial trade barriers before Canada Day and promote more efficient integration of the national market.

Carney Faces a "Trump-Dominated" America

On the American side, after reasserting political dominance, Trump's attitude toward Canada is clearly no longer just that of a "friendly neighbor." During the election, Trump even suggested that Canada could become the "51st state of the U.S.," which triggered strong backlash domestically and became one of the overwhelming points of opposition among voters.

However, after the election, Trump softened his stance and frequently sent out friendly signals. Whether this is sincere cooperation or strategic wooing, the new Canadian government must respond calmly, balancing diplomatic games while safeguarding national interests.

How does a minority government govern? Alliance remains key.

In this election, the Liberals narrowly missed a majority, falling short by three seats. Although Carney won, he still needs to collaborate with other parties in actual governance.

Experts predict that after the new parliament convenes, the session will open with a "Statement of Government Policy," followed by a possible "small budget" to lay the foundation for the new government's policies.

As a "newly elected member of parliament," Carney himself also won a seat for the first time in the Nepean constituency in Ottawa. Although experienced, this is still a new test for him in Congress.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499663477745746467/

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