Carney and Premiers Urge U.S. Respect for Canadian Sovereignty Amid Trade Tensions

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s provincial premiers took a united stand at a high-profile news conference in Ottawa, underscoring their shared expectations that the U.S. administration respect Canadian sovereignty against the backdrop of rising trade tensions and controversial cross-border rhetoric. The meeting came amid concerns over recent interactions between U.S. officials and separatist groups from Alberta — an issue that deeply unsettled Canada’s political leadership and was raised at the plenary session with premiers.

Carney emphasised that while diplomatic engagement with the United States remains vital, respect for Canada’s autonomy is non-negotiable. He told reporters that in his discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, the principle of sovereignty has been reiterated clearly, and that Ottawa expects any administration in Washington to uphold the independence and territorial integrity of Canada. Insisting that Trump had not broached Alberta separatism during their discussions, Carney nonetheless said the federal government was monitoring all developments with caution.

The premiers — representing provinces from coast to coast — voiced similar concerns and expressed a commitment to present a coherent “Team Canada” approach as the United States prepares for significant trade negotiations, including a robust review of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) later this year. Carney has previously described the upcoming USMCA reassessment as a moment to advance Canadian priorities while managing U.S. protectionist sentiment.

One of the more pressing points of contention has been reported meetings between U.S. officials and members of the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group advocating for a referendum on Alberta’s independence. Those meetings — which included requests for financial backing — were met with strong criticism from Canadian leaders, with some provincial officials labelling such behaviour treasonous and inappropriate for representatives of a foreign power. While Ottawa has reaffirmed Alberta’s place within Canada, Carney emphasised that dialogue with the U.S. should respect internal Canadian matters.

Trade issues beyond sovereignty were also front and centre. Carney has been navigating escalating tariff threats from Washington, including potential levies related to Canadian dealings with China — a move Ottawa says does not constitute a comprehensive free trade agreement but rather targeted tariff reductions. The prime minister reiterated that Canada does not plan to pursue a formal China trade pact, aiming to alleviate U.S. fears while broadening Canada’s trade relationships.

Economically, Carney and the premiers discussed shared priorities including affordability pressures on households, food costs and the need for strategic domestic investments that would reduce reliance on U.S. markets without weakening bilateral ties. Throughout the press conference, a clear theme emerged: provincial and federal leaders are seeking to balance defence of national interests with continued diplomatic engagement at a time when U.S.–Canada relations face both political and economic strain.

As the premiers wrapped up the conference, Carney stressed that unity among Canada’s provinces and federal leadership sends a strong signal not only to the United States but to global partners that Canada will approach trade negotiations, sovereignty concerns and domestic policy in a coordinated and resolute manner.