Kathmandu— Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the Trump administration Tuesday to cease provocative actions and return to substantive trade talks. Carney accused Washington of pursuing terms that could harm Canadian industries, stating that U.S.-Canada trade discussions could only resume if the United States became serious about negotiations. The remarks came amid a fresh wave of attacks from Washington following the collapse of trade talks on August 21.

Trade Talks Collapse

Carney accused the U.S. of pursuing terms that could leave Canadian industries “gradually wound down in Canada and wiped out.” He emphasized that any deal must be mutually beneficial, stating that Washington sought an “uncompetitive” agreement for key sectors like autos and pushed changes affecting French-language and cultural protections. The prime minister also noted that Washington wanted to limit Canada’s future trade deals, a stance he firmly rejected.

Political Tensions Escalate

The political tensions between the two nations have escalated with Trump renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” and taunting Canada on social media. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mocked the Canadian military by posting an image of female cadets, which Carney called “beneath their office.” In response to Carney’s call for serious negotiations, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Carney had received a “verbal beatdown” from him and Hegseth.

Domestic Support for Carney

Carney's position was bolstered by the Liberal Party’s recent electoral success, including a decisive win in Quebec. This victory reinforced his stance against Trump’s trade policies and annexation threats. Nelson Wiseman, a political science professor at the University of Toronto, highlighted that Quebecers have the most to lose if Canada were absorbed into the U.S., as it would threaten the status of the French language.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.