Monday March 17, 2025 | NATIONAL [reporting from VICTORIA, BC]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today Prime Minister Carney visited familiar stomping grounds as he met with a prime minister, president and king in Europe.
On this — this first international trip after being sworn in as prime minister on March 14 — Carney met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as well as the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, and the British Monarch King Charles III who is Canada’s head of state.
The visit was a visual statement of meeting with Allies instead of dashing first to meet with the US President as has been the custom by previous prime ministers.
UK and Canada strong:
With Starmer the conversation was about strengthening ties “with steadfast and reliable partners for our economy and security”.
Both Carney and Starmer emphasized the importance of building a stronger Canada-UK relationship, it was stated in a readout from the prime minister’s office (PMO).
“The leaders highlighted transatlantic security and the trade and investment relationship between Canada the UK. To that end, they discussed opportunities to expand the Canada-UK trade corridor and responsibly leverage technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum to benefit workers and economics in both countries,” it was stated by the PMO.
Both prime ministers reiterated their steadfast support for Ukraine in dealing with the Russian invasion there. Carney expressed Canada’s support for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and hopes that Ukraine will take part in the G7 meeting coming up in Canada in June. Carney commended the UK’s leadership efforts toward a lasting and sustainable peace for Ukraine.
Canada and the UK “are two sovereign allies” said Starmer in the televised portion of their meeting today.
Tariff backdrop:
The backdrop to all of this is the economic threat to Canada by the US President Donald Trump administration. Solidarity with Europe will be important to Canada as part of trade diversification.
However, Carney reminded media today that the amount of trade that Canada currently does with the United States won’t be easily or quickly replaced.
Carney has indicated he will meet with US President Trump under conditions of respect, primarily including a cessation of the president’s persistence about politically annexing Canada.
Election backdrop:
When Carney gets back to Canada he will first visit in Nunavut to show support for the Arctic.
He is widely expected to call the next federal election within a matter of days.
Under Carney’s new leadership the Liberals have gained substantially in the polls.
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