Article – Mark Carney, who recently entered the political spotlight, will meet with cabinet ministers and provincial premiers in Ottawa today to discuss Canada’s strategy following Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats against our country.
The meeting comes just days after Trump, now the president-elect, declared his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports once he returns to office in January. This aggressive stance has sent ripples through Ottawa’s political circles and across provincial capitals.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the emergency session to coordinate a national response. “We’re bringing together our best minds to develop a unified approach,” Trudeau said yesterday at a press conference. “Mark Carney’s international economic expertise will be invaluable as we navigate these challenging waters.”
Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, has been quietly working behind the scenes since joining the Liberal government as an economic advisor last month. This marks his first high-profile assignment since his appointment.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed concern about the potential local impact. “Our region has deep economic ties with the U.S. market,” he noted during yesterday’s council meeting. “Many Ottawa businesses depend on cross-border trade.”
Provincial leaders arriving in Ottawa have voiced varying perspectives. Ontario Premier Doug Ford emphasized unity despite political differences. “This isn’t about Liberal or Conservative – this is about protecting Canadian jobs and our economy,” Ford told reporters at Toronto Pearson Airport before departing for Ottawa.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimates that tariffs at the proposed level could cost the Canadian economy nearly $45 billion annually and put approximately 500,000 jobs at risk nationwide.
Local Ottawa businesses are particularly concerned. Mary Johnston, owner of Capital Manufacturing, which exports specialized equipment to American clients, shared her worries. “We survived the last round of tariffs under Trump’s first term, but barely. Another round at 25% would be devastating for my thirty employees and their families.”
The meeting at the National Arts Centre, chosen for its proximity to Parliament Hill and enhanced security features, will be closed to the press. However, sources familiar with the agenda indicate discussions will focus on three key areas: immediate diplomatic engagement with the incoming Trump administration, potential retaliatory measures, and economic support programs for vulnerable Canadian industries.
Trade experts suggest Carney’s presence signals the government’s serious approach. “Bringing someone of Carney’s caliber into these discussions shows the Liberals understand the gravity of the situation,” said Jennifer Thompson, international trade professor at Carleton University. “His connections in global financial circles might prove useful in building international pressure against these proposed tariffs.”
The federal government has already begun reaching out to potential allies in the U.S., including governors of border states whose economies are deeply integrated with Canadian provinces.
As Ottawa residents go about their day, many seem unaware of the high-stakes meeting happening in their city. Yet the outcomes could significantly impact local businesses, from tech firms in Kanata to manufacturing operations along the St. Lawrence.
The meeting is expected to conclude late this evening, with a joint statement anticipated tomorrow morning. Canadians across the country will be watching closely to see how our political leaders plan to protect our economic interests in the face of these renewed challenges from our largest trading partner.
