Canada–US tariffs: Mark Carney welcomes Democrat push to repeal Trump measures

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Democrats’ plans to repeal US President Donald Trumps tariffs on Canada were welcome. Carney said a return to free trade would ease costs for US families. Carney also said it would support US workers seeking stable, well-paid jobs. Ottawa kept negotiating with Washington despite the shifting US politics.

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Carney spoke after Democrats won a sweeping midterm victory in the United States. The result set up new pressure in Congress to challenge Trumps trade measures. Carney said Canada still wanted an agreement that suited Canadian interests. Carney did not say if the election changed Canada’s bargaining stance with Washington.

Trump tariffs on Canada and Canada’s response

Canada paused trade talks in August after US demands raised concerns in Ottawa. Carney said those demands threatened Canadian sovereignty and French-language protections. Trumps trade war included 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods. Canada responded with retaliatory measures, as the dispute continued to affect cross-border trade.

Carney told reporters in Winnipeg: "We welcome any moves to restore a free trading arrangement between Canada and the United States, which is in the interests of American families struggling with affordability,\" Carney told reporters in Winnipeg. Carney added: \"We will continue to work with the Americans to get a deal that works for Canada,\" Carney said.

Democrats target Trump tariffs on Canada in Congress

Democratic Sen Ron Wyden is expected to chair the Senate Finance Committee in January. Wyden has named Trumps tariffs on Canada as an early repeal target. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation in September to repeal Trumps tariffs. The effort also covered duties imposed on Canadian goods.

Michigan Sen-elect Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, said Thursday: \"I was willing to work with Trump on stopping these stupid tariffs with Canada.\" Carney said Canada had not discussed tariff-repeal bills with Wyden or other Democrats. Carney kept focus on talks with Washington, rather than possible legislative timelines.

Trump tariffs on Canada face veto and political hurdles

Trump kept wide power over US trade policy and could veto any repeal bill. Democrats would need strong Republican backing to override a veto. That uncertainty left Canada with a difficult choice on timing. Ottawa could accept a deal that cut some tariffs. Ottawa could also wait for full free trade restoration.

Trump repeatedly suggested Canada should become the 51st US state. Trump also urged shifting Canadian automobile production into the United States. Trump threatened new tariffs on Canadian automobiles beginning in January. That risk added strain for Canada’s auto industry. Ottawa weighed whether to settle now or push for tariff removal.

Talks on Trump tariffs on Canada show signs of easing

The tone between the countries improved in recent weeks. Trump said Sunday the two sides were very close to an agreement. Carney said Tuesday Washington had stepped back from certain demands. Those included issues tied to Canadas French-language protections and culture. Carney also cited Canadas freedom to negotiate other trade agreements.

Negotiations continued as Canadian officials watched both Congress and the White House. Democrats signalled interest in rolling back key tariff measures on Canada. Trump still controlled major trade levers and could resist repeal efforts. Carney said Canada kept seeking a deal that protected Canadian priorities. The outcome remained tied to both talks and US politics.

With inputs from PTI