Joly Says Canada Must Reduce Reliance on U.S., Pursue Stronger Ties with Europe

Foreign minister emphasizes sovereignty and trade diversification amid renewed tensions with Washington

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly has stated that Canada has been “over reliant on the U.S. for too long” and is now seeking to strengthen diplomatic and trade relationships with the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other international partners. In an interview with the BBC, Joly emphasized Canada’s European roots, saying, “We are the most European of all non-European countries. That’s why we want to be closer to Europe.”

The comments came just one day after Joly and Prime Minister Mark Carney met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to initiate discussions on a “new trade and security partnership.” The U.S.-Canada relationship has grown increasingly strained in recent months, particularly following Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, and automobiles. His controversial claim that Canada would be “better off as a U.S. state” further inflamed tensions between the two allies.

Despite the fraught backdrop, Joly described the recent meeting as a constructive first step, noting that both leaders agreed to a “fresh start” in rebuilding bilateral relations. However, she cautioned that Canada must remain vigilant. “We know that there is a lot of unpredictability coming out of the White House, and we know that we have to be ready and hold steady,” she told the BBC.

The tariffs, which include a general 25 percent tax on Canadian imports and additional levies on specific sectors, have caused considerable anxiety across the country. According to Joly, they became a defining issue in the recent federal election, with economic repercussions for Canadian families and businesses. “Some have lost their jobs, and many families are affected. My job and the prime minister’s job is to make sure that we defend them,” she said.

Prime Minister Carney, speaking to reporters after his White House visit, said he “pressed the case” for removing the tariffs and found President Trump “willing to have that negotiation.” While Trump has praised Carney’s approach, he has not yet committed to lifting the trade penalties.

Back in Ottawa, Carney briefed provincial leaders on the outcome of his U.S. visit in a virtual meeting. Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his support for Carney, saying, “I don’t think I’d have the restraint that he had, to be very frank, but in saying that, I think it’s a good start on a new relationship.”

Carney is currently finalizing his new cabinet, expected to be announced next week, ahead of Parliament’s reopening later this month. In a symbolic move to underscore Canada’s sovereignty, the prime minister has invited King Charles III to open Parliament on May 27, marking the first such royal visit since 1977.

Canada is also preparing to host the G7 summit in June, where President Trump is expected to attend. Foreign Minister Joly called the upcoming summit and royal visit “clear signals” of Canada’s independent standing on the global stage.

For more on Canada’s evolving foreign policy and U.S. relations, visit Weekly Voice and the Canada news section.