LONDON (AP) – Canadian new prime minister Mark Kearney met with British and French leaders on Monday during his first official overseas trip. President Donald Trump is targeting Canada's sovereignty and economy, and is seeking support from two Ottawa's oldest allies.
Canadians criticized the leaders of both countries who founded Canada because of their calm response to Trump's attacks. He has repeatedly commented on managing to impose tariffs on Canada's steel and aluminum, turning Canada into the 51st province.
Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron did not ask journalists questions. Furthermore, the joint press conference was not scheduled for either British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer. The Canadian proposed a press conference in Paris, but the French declined, an official familiar with the matter spoke on condition of anonymity.
Macron did not deal with Trump's attack on Canada prior to talks, but noted that tariffs would only cause inflation and damage to the supply chain.
“In the current international context, we want to be able to develop the most strategic projects together with our closest, more loyal partners,” Macron added.
In London, Carney was accepted at Buckingham Palace by Charles III, the head of state of Canada. The monarch congratulated Carney on his recent victory. He was sworn in Friday.
The Canadian Prime Minister pointed to his Lapelpin.
“A little bit of today's disaster, teacher. The orders for the Canadian Pin have broken,” Carney said.
“Do you want mine?” the king asked.
A meeting with priorities continued.
On Tuesday, Kearney will travel to Canada's Arctic edge to reaffirm the security and sovereignty of the country.
Why Paris and London?
Kearney chose two European capitals that shaped Canada's early existence. During his oath, he pointed out that the country was built on the bedrock of three people, French, English and indigenous people.
He added that Canada is fundamentally different from America and “never in any way, in any way, it will become part of America.”
“I want to ensure that France and the whole of Europe will work hard with Canada, the most non-European nations,” Carney said, but “I have vowed to maintain the most positive relationship possible with the United States.”
Daniel Beland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said other leaders are “playing safely” and try to avoid disappointment in times of international tensions over Trump's actions and rhetoric.
Kearney's itinerary choice highlights a strong connection between Canada and the two former colonial forces, saying “the fact that Canada does not leave the UK in a violent way is a significant historical and institutional difference between the US and Canada.”
A trip to London was a kind of homecoming. When Kearney got his job in July 2013, he became the first non-British governor in the Bank of England's 319-year history. He worked until March 2020.
No plans to travel to Washington
Carney said he is ready to meet Trump if he respects Canada's sovereignty. He said he is not currently planning to visit Washington, but hopes to call the president soon.
His government is also reviewing the purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets in light of Trump's trade war.
Meanwhile, Macron has increased his efforts to persuade his French allies to move away from purchasing American military hardware. This is consistent with European concerns that European defenses are overly dependent on US weapons, technical support and goodwill.
Macron also mentioned France and Britain's plans to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine, saying “Canada and France are the power of peace, the power of trustworthy allies and will participate in this effort.” He gave no details.
Kearney spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Voldy Mie Zelensky late Sunday and invited him to the G7 Summit, which is hosted by Canada this summer.
Kearney is expected to call legislative elections by the weekend in late April or early May. Canada's governing liberals were poised for a historic election defeat this year, before Trump declared an economic war. Now the party and its new leaders have come to the top.
___
Authors of the Associated Press in Paris, John Lester and Danica Kirka of London contributed to the report.
