Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Washington on Friday, but Canadian officials are downplaying the possibility of any movement on trade issues. They insist the visit is strictly tied to FIFA celebrations, even as the political backdrop looms large. Government sources with direct knowledge of the trip say expectations for progress on Canada-U.S. trade talks are extremely limited.
While a quiet exchange between Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump could occur, officials stress that the primary purpose is to attend the FIFA World Cup Final Draw Ceremony at the Kennedy Center, where match schedules and venues for next year’s tournament will be confirmed. Carney will appear alongside co-hosts Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The draw marks a significant global sporting milestone, though it comes at a moment of strained continental relations. Trump has repeatedly signalled plans to demand fresh concessions from Ottawa and Mexico ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review and has revived tariff threats against both countries.
On Wednesday, he openly suggested the possibility of walking away from the three-party pact entirely, arguing the U.S. has been taken advantage of. Those remarks follow Trump’s October decision to abruptly halt talks with Canada after reacting angrily to an anti-tariff advertising campaign from Ontario. Canadian officials acknowledge Carney is prepared to raise trade if the moment presents itself, but they reiterate that the trip is centred on the World Cup festivities, not negotiations.
Brian Clow, who previously oversaw Canada-U.S. relations under Justin Trudeau, says hopes should be tempered. While a diplomatic exchange could help restart talks, he doubts any breakthrough will emerge from such a brief encounter.
