Tuesday October 7, 2025 | NATIONAL NEWS [Posted at 3:27 pm PT | Updated 4:47 pm]
Analysis by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
It was a sort of deja-vu, a repeat performance, for Prime Minister Mark Carney to chat with the US President Donald Trump in front of cameras in the Oval Office at the White House today.
Carney was last in that seat in the Oval Office on May 6 when the key takeaway was the fundamental point that Canada is not for sale.
So far there are no major trade war wins for Canada. So this October 7 media event could have opened up Carney to potentially unknown challenges from Trump in real time. But overall it was a benign encounter in front of the cameras.
The visit by Carney and top ministers and staff today was at the invitation of the US President.
“I think they will be very happy,” said Trump in response to a media question as to whether Canada will leave with positive results from today’s meetings.
A working dinner between the Canadian team and US Vice-President JD Vance will be a further opportunity for economic and trade discussion this evening.
Even some limited tariff relief would be helpful to Canada right now. But going easy on Canada does not seem to be the American way at this time.
Meetings:
Meetings behind the scenes may produce more information and benefit for Canada in terms of the ongoing trade negotiations between Canada and the United States.
As of today, there are no big trade talk results coming out of the Prime Minister’s office.
Three ministers:
Also in the Oval Office for the media session today — on the sofa to the viewer’s left of Carney — were three of Carney’s top cabinet ministers who are likely to have big roles to play behind the scenes today in Washington meetings:
- Dominic LeBlanc (Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy and International Trade),
- Mélanie Joly (Industry Minister), and
- Anita Anand (Minister of Foreign Affairs).
LeBlanc told media today in Washington that there could be some progress made around tariffs on steel and aluminum both from economic and security perspectives — which includes a subtext about how the Canadian side is approaching these negotiations.
Canada’s Ambassador to the US, Kristen Hillman, also attended at the Oval Office today — she stood behind the sofa where Canada’s three senior cabinet ministers were seated.
Political gains:
Trump gained today by perpetuating a sense of uncertainty for Canada and perhaps had a sub-agenda to keep Canada in front of the media in the USA as trade talks continue.
Carney may have gained politically today by some further media exposure in the United States but in general Canadians won’t see any much different through today’s White House visit. So perhaps the gains will be made behind the scenes in terms of trade talks.
Premiers:
Today Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said he’s happy yo have further economic talks with and about trade with the United States but not at the expense of Canadian pride. He still wonders what Canada got for concessions made by Canada so far (e.g. dropping the Digital Services Tax and backing off on some retaliatory tariffs).
Another first ministers meeting (i.e. premiers of provinces and territories) with the prime minister might be helpful at this point, said Kinew.
Kinew said today on CBC Power and Politics that Canada needs to develop some “cards to play”, i.e. backup plans. He calls for good communication and information sharing if indeed Canada is playing the long game here.
BC Premier David Eby continues to insist that British Columbia will be the economic engine of the new Canadian economy. That is largely based on critical mineral resources, LNG production and shipping, forestry sector strength, and Pacific coast ports for facilitating global trade.
===== RELATED:
Carney holds up Canada strong as US trade war thickens (May 7, 2025)
NEWS SECTIONS: CANADA-USA | CANADA-NATIONAL | TRADE & TARIFFS