Carney welcomes Democrats' push to end Trump's tariffs on Canada after
midterm victory
[November 07, 2026] By
ROB GILLIES
TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed a Democratic
push to repeal U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada after
their sweeping midterm victory, saying Friday that restoring free trade
would lower costs for American families and benefit U.S. workers, even
as Ottawa continues negotiating with Washington.
“We welcome any moves to restore a free trading arrangement between
Canada and the United States, which is in the interests of American
families struggling with affordability,” Carney told reporters in
Winnipeg.
He said free trade would also benefit American workers seeking
well-paying jobs and stability.
“We will continue to work with the Americans to get a deal that works
for Canada,” Carney said.
The Democratic victory raises a dilemma for Canada: Accept a deal that
reduces Trump’s tariffs but leaves some in place, or hold out for the
restoration of free trade as the incoming Congress prepares to challenge
them. Carney has not said whether the election has changed his
negotiating position.
Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, who is poised to chair the Senate Finance
Committee when Democrats take control of Congress in January, has
identified Trump’s tariffs on Canada as an early target for repeal.
Michigan Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, said Thursday he was
willing to work with Trump on “stopping these stupid tariffs with
Canada.”
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation in
September aimed at repealing Trump’s tariffs, including duties imposed
on Canadian goods.
[to top of second column] |
 Carney said he had not spoken with
Wyden or other Democrats about potential legislation to eliminate
the tariffs.
Trump retains broad authority over trade policy and could veto
legislation repealing the tariffs. Democrats would need substantial
Republican support to override a veto.
Canada suspended trade talks in August over U.S. demands that Carney
said threatened Canadian sovereignty and French-language
protections. Trump’s trade war has included 50% tariffs on billions
of dollars in Canadian goods, prompting Canadian retaliation.
Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada should become the 51st U.S.
state and has pushed to move Canadian automobile production to the
United States.
Trump has also threatened new tariffs on Canadian automobiles
beginning in January, adding pressure on Canada’s auto industry as
Ottawa weighs whether to strike a deal now or hold out for the
elimination of U.S. tariffs.
Relations have improved in recent weeks. Trump said Sunday the
countries were “very close” to an agreement, while Carney said
Tuesday that Washington had backed away from demands involving
Canada’s French-language protections, culture and ability to
negotiate trade agreements with other countries.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
