Canada not yet in position to reach trade deal with U.S.: Carney

Ottawa not ready to make deal with U.S.: Carney
Ottawa not ready to make deal with U.S.: Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks before a meeting of the Liberal caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
Writer

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not yet in a position to reach a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, even with the congressional midterms just days away.

On his way into the weekly Liberal national caucus meeting on Parliament Hill today, Carney said Ottawa is prepared to make a deal only when it suits Canadians' interests.

He said Canada "will pursue" such a deal if it presents itself but Ottawa's trade negotiators are "not in that position right now."

While trade talks between Ottawa and Washington have intensified in recent days, the Canadian side has described the progress as limited.

Republican control over both houses of Congress is on the line in this year's midterm elections, set for next Tuesday.

Trump's tariff agenda is widely unpopular among Americans due to the high cost of living.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

— With files from Catherine Morrison

Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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