Canadian PM Carney Apologizes to Trump Over Political Ad, Hails ‘Turning Point’ in China Relations
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he personally apologized to U.S. President Donald Trump over a political advertisement that used a quote from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
Carney disclosed the apology while speaking to journalists on Saturday (November 1st) after attending the Asia-Pacific Conference in South Korea. He stated that he offered the apology to Trump in person during a dinner hosted by the South Korean President on Wednesday.
Carney said: “I apologized to the President.”
The Controversial Ad
Carney revealed that he had spoken with Ontario Premier Doug Ford prior to the ad’s release and advised against broadcasting it.
The Canadian Prime Minister stated: “I told Ford, I do not want this advertisement to be aired.”
The advertisement was created by Ford, a conservative politician, and featured an old quote from Ronald Reagan warning that tariffs could lead to a trade war and economic disaster.
In reaction to the advertisement, Trump announced that the U.S. would increase tariffs on Canadian goods and suspended trade negotiations between the two countries.
US-Canada Trade Relations
After his visit to South Korea, Trump told reporters that he had a “very nice discussion” with Carney at the dinner, though he did not elaborate. However, on Friday, Trump stated that U.S.-Canada trade talks would not resume immediately.
Meeting with China’s Xi Jinping
Carney also indicated that he viewed his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday as a “turning point” in the relationship between the two nations.
This was the first formal meeting between the leaders of Canada and China since 2017. Relations had been strained due to the detention and execution of Canadian citizens in China, along with Chinese allegations of interference in Canadian elections.
Carney confirmed that he discussed various issues with Xi Jinping, including foreign interference in elections.
