Carney Returns to Ottawa as U.S. Tariffs Remain in Place

Prime Minister Mark Carney returned to Ottawa today without securing any agreements to lift the tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian goods. Despite this setback, he has left two of his key ministers in Washington to continue advocating for Canada’s interests.

Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on October 7, 2025. This meeting marked their second engagement in less than six months. Prior to their discussions, Trump suggested that Carney would leave the meeting “very happy.” However, no progress was made concerning the tariffs, and no formal agreements were announced.

Following the meeting, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister, addressed reporters. He noted that while no deal was reached, significant progress was made during their discussions. LeBlanc emphasized that there is newfound momentum to negotiate sector-specific agreements, particularly in the areas of steel, aluminum, and energy.

LeBlanc stated, “Carney and Trump directed their teams to move quickly on these critical trade deals.” He expressed optimism about the potential for future discussions and reiterated Canada’s commitment to resolving the tariff issue.

To further bolster Canada’s position, both LeBlanc and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand will remain in Washington for additional meetings. Anand is scheduled to engage in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aiming to build on the discussions initiated by Carney and Trump.

This ongoing dialogue reflects Canada’s strategic approach to addressing trade relations with the U.S., a relationship that is crucial for both nations’ economies. The outcome of these discussions remains vital as Canada seeks to mitigate the impact of tariffs on its industries and economy.

The situation underscores the complexities of international trade negotiations, especially as both nations navigate the challenges posed by current tariffs. As Carney returns to Ottawa, the focus now shifts to the continued efforts of his ministers in Washington, who aim to secure a favorable resolution for Canadian businesses.

As of now, the timeline for any potential agreements remains unclear, but the Canadian government is committed to pursuing every avenue to achieve a resolution. The developments in the coming days will be closely monitored, as both countries work to enhance their trade relationship while addressing the existing tariffs that affect a wide range of Canadian goods.

This report is based on information from The Canadian Press, published on October 8, 2025.