Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said that the world can continue to make progress on major global issues even without the active cooperation of the United States as he doubles down on a strategy to reduce Canadian dependence on its southern neighbour and deepen ties with other partners. He argued that consensus among a broad group of countries can deliver results on trade, investment and climate priorities despite heightened tensions with Washington.
Carney was speaking days after a visit to Abu Dhabi where the United Arab Emirates pledged to invest seventy billion Canadian dollars in Canada in what Ottawa describes as the largest single investment commitment in the country’s history. The funds are expected to flow into a range of sectors including energy and advanced industries and are being showcased by the government as proof that Canada can attract large scale capital from non United States partners.
Since taking office earlier this year Carney has made challenging United States tariffs on Canada and reducing economic reliance on the United States central themes of his premiership. His government has simultaneously been drawn into trade frictions not only with Washington but also with China leaving Canada exposed in two key markets and with limited direct leverage. Analysts note that Ottawa is responding with state backed investment tools and diversification efforts to cushion the impact of external shocks and to prepare for prolonged uncertainty.
As part of this pivot Carney has placed emphasis on building stronger economic and diplomatic links with South Africa India China and partners across the Indo Pacific and Europe. Following talks in Abu Dhabi he underscored that Canada is seeking new agreements and investors in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to energy while separate engagements with African and G20 leaders have focused on expanding trade and development partnerships. Canadian officials say accelerated negotiations with India and outreach to African and Gulf states form a core plank of the country’s trade diversification strategy.
Carney’s stance comes as United States Canada trade discussions remain strained with negotiations on tariff relief and broader economic issues reported to be effectively frozen for now. Trade experts warn that waiting for a breakthrough with Washington could carry significant risks for Canada but they also acknowledge that a credible diversification push could strengthen Ottawa’s position over time. For Carney the message that the world can move ahead without relying on United States leadership is both a signal to global partners and a justification for his government’s rapid pursuit of alternative alliances.
