Canada’s PM-elect Mark Carney declares end of US ties, slams Trump’s ‘betrayal’ | World News

In a landmark victory speech that signals a dramatic shift in Canada’s foreign policy, Liberal Party leader Mark Carney—who is poised to return as prime miner for a second time—announced the end of what he called a ‘horic’ and ‘prosperous’ relationship with the United States.His declaration comes after securing a stunning third consecutive parliamentary election win, bringing his party back from behind and reaffirming its dominance in Canadian politics.
“The era of integration between Canada and the United States of America is over,” Carney declared to roaring applause from supporters. “Our old relationship with the United States, which had brought prosperity to Canada, is over.” The speech reflected not just a political victory, but a bold, strategic reset in how Canada views its southern neighbour and former closest ally.
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The election campaign had been heavily influenced growing tensions with the US, particularly President Donald Trump’s repeated provocations and controversial rhetoric. Trump’s disdain for Canada’s sovereignty was laid bare through his frequent and deliberate mischaracterisation of former PM Justin Trudeau as a “Governor” rather than the head of an independent government. Trump even went so far as to suggest that Canada could be “bought” the United States—remarks that initially drew laughter in Ottawa, but later provoked anger as they continued.
Canadian Prime Miner Mark Carney speaks to supporters on stage at his campaign headquarters after the Liberal Party won the Canadian election in Ottawa, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Justin Tang//The Canadian Press via AP)
Canada responded to Trump’s comments mockingly offering to purchase four US states: California, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota.
Faced with mounting diplomatic tensions, Trump retaliated slapping punitive tariffs and trade restrictions on Canadian exports, affecting key sectors of the Canadian economy. These economic moves, seen many as deliberate attempts to weaken Canada’s independence, created widespread anxiety and resentment. It was against this backdrop that Carney called for early elections—to seek a strong mandate to push back.
Carney’s fiery words came during a victory speech that capped one of Canada’s most dramatic election turnarounds in recent memory. The former banker, who only recently replaced Trudeau as prime miner, steered the Liberals to a surprise win – just months after the party seemed headed for collapse.Story continues below this ad

While the Liberals fell short of a majority, they secured enough seats to govern with support from rival parties, likely continuing their cooperation with the New Democratic Party (NDP). But the night wasn’t kind to the NDP, whose leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and announced his resignation after the party’s worst-ever showing.
“Throughout our hory there have been turning points. Turning points where the world’s fortunes were in the balance. That was the case at the end of the Second World War, just as it was at the end of the Cold War,” Carney said in his speech. “And in each of those times, Canada chose to step up — to assert ourselves as a free, sovereign, and ambitious nation. To lead the path of democracy and freedom. And because we are Canadian, to do so with compassion and generosity.”
The Liberal Party leader made it clear that this new chapter in Canadian policy would be defined diversification—economically, diplomatically, and strategically. “We are once again on one of those hinge moments of hory. Our old relationship with the United States — a relationship based on steadily increasing integration — is over,” Carney said. “The system of open global trade, anchored the United States, a system that Canada relied on since the Second World War, a system that has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades, is over.”
Canadian Prime Miner Mark Carney dances to Canadian band Down With Webster as they play live at campaign headquarters after the Liberal Party won the Canadian election in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)
“We’re over the shock. But we will never forget the lessons,” he said, adding a call for unity: “Let’s put an end to the division and anger of the past. We are all Canadian, and my government will work for and with everyone.”Story continues below this ad
Carney’s remarks, equal parts resolute and reflective, struck a chord with a Canadian public that had grown disillusioned with what many perceived as Washington’s ‘betrayal’. “These are tragedies, but it is also our reality. We are over the shock of the American betrayal. We are over. But we should never, ever forget the lessons,” he said. “We’re going to take this forward and we have to look out for ourselves, but above all, we must take care of each other.”

With a PhD in Economics and a dinguished education from both Harvard and Oxford, Carney’s background is expected to guide Canada through this diplomatic pivot. In his concluding remarks, he made it clear that Canada’s message to Washington will be firm and uncompromising. “When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations,” he said. “And it will be with our full knowledge, that we have many, many other options than just the United States to bring prosperity for all Canadians.”
(With Inputs from Reuters and AP)