Carney Snubs Trump in First Official Visit, But UK Trip Yields Little Progress on Trade

Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, made his first official visit to the United Kingdom, a decision that carries both symbolic and strategic weight. While Canada and the UK have a trade agreement in place, lingering disputes remain unresolved, and there was little expectation that this trip would result in any meaningful progress. The timing is a major factor—Canada is heading toward an election, making it unlikely that Carney could commit to any long-term trade arrangements, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is still settling into his leadership after the recent Labour victory.

The visit highlights Carney’s intent to strengthen ties with Europe, particularly in light of Canada’s uncertain relationship with the United States under Donald Trump. Carney has made it clear that he has no intention of engaging with Trump until the trade tariffs on Canadian goods are lifted. While his frustration is understandable, avoiding direct dialogue comes with risks. Canada cannot afford to alienate its largest trading partner, especially with economic uncertainty looming and trade tensions already strained with China and India. Without engagement, there is no incentive for the Trump administration to reconsider its stance, leaving Canadian industries vulnerable to prolonged economic strain.

Back home, speculation is mounting over an imminent election call. Some believed today would mark the announcement, but Carney appears more focused on establishing himself on the global stage before making any domestic moves. The Liberals may claim a post-coronation bump in the polls, but calling an election too soon would be a dangerous gamble. Many voters remain skeptical of Carney’s appointment, particularly those who felt sidelined by how he was installed as leader. If he were to trigger an election now, the Liberals risk being voted out before he has had a chance to define his leadership.

While Carney’s European outreach may serve as a long-term diplomatic play, it does little to address Canada’s immediate economic challenges. Without a clear strategy to repair fractured trade relationships and stabilize the economy, this visit may ultimately be more about optics than tangible outcomes.