OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday that the United States is showing signs of aligning with Canada’s negotiating position as bilateral trade talks regain momentum, while cautioning that any agreement will be judged on its merits and there is no certainty the U.S. will adhere to signed commitments.
U.S. movement welcomed, but trust not assured
Carney made the remarks after meeting with First Nations leaders and other first ministers in Ottawa. He told reporters that, based on recent developments reported by CTV News and the administration’s shifting posture, Washington appears to be "coming closer to our position." At the same time, he reiterated scepticism about whether U.S. commitments will be durable.
"I don’t know that," Carney said when asked whether he could be sure President Donald Trump would sign agreements in pen rather than pencil.
The prime minister recalled the abrupt collapse of talks in August, when he publicly questioned the stability of the U.S. negotiating stance by saying on another occasion that the administration’s signature sometimes seemed "written in pencil." He emphasised that Canada has clear bottom lines and red lines, and that Ottawa was not prepared to accept the offers on the table in August.
Timing, politics and the prospect of a deal
CTV News, citing multiple government and industry sources, reported that the White House has developed a greater appetite for concluding an agreement with Canada. One source told CTV that American interest in a deal appears stronger than it had been in the weeks leading up to the renewed push, and that political considerations in the U.S. — including vulnerabilities ahead of the midterm elections — may be a motivating factor.
Carney said a deal would need to be "in the interests of Canadians, all Canadians," and that Ottawa would evaluate any offer as a complete package rather than accepting piecemeal concessions.
- August: Talks between Canada and the U.S. broke down completely.
- Sunday (CTV report): Sources indicated renewed American interest in a deal.
- Monday: Carney publicly confirmed U.S. movement toward Canada's position but declined to guarantee the durability of any U.S. signature.
| Item | Notable detail |
|---|---|
| Canada’s stance | Firm bottom lines and red lines; unwilling to accept August offers. |
| U.S. posture | Reportedly more interested in an agreement; motivations may include electoral timing. |
Analysts and industry stakeholders said a return to substantive negotiations would be consequential for multiple sectors — from agriculture and automotive to services and investment flows. A binding agreement could remove trade uncertainty that has weighed on business planning since talks first began to deteriorate, while failure to secure durable commitments would prolong risks to cross-border supply chains and market access.
Carney’s careful wording underscores the delicate balance Ottawa faces: pressing for a deal that protects Canadian economic interests while guarding against a return to negotiations that produce short-lived or reversible commitments. With the U.S. signalling greater engagement, policymakers in Ottawa must assess whether any new proposals represent genuine concessions or tactical moves tied to U.S. domestic politics.
For Canadians, the immediate questions will be how quickly negotiators can convert renewed interest into concrete text, what concessions might be necessary, and whether the outcome offers lasting certainty for jobs and investment. Carney indicated that Canada will judge any proposed agreement in its entirety, and will proceed only if the result aligns with national priorities.
Reporting for this story included material from CTV News.
