Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called on citizens to rally behind domestic producers and workers, unveiling a sweeping “Buy Canadian” drive just hours after US President Donald Trump threatened steep trade penalties over Ottawa’s growing engagement with China.
In a video message shared online, Carney said the new policy reflects a strategic shift aimed at insulating Canada’s economy from mounting external pressures. He encouraged consumers, businesses and public institutions to prioritise Canadian-made goods and services, presenting the move as both an economic and national resilience measure.
“With rising uncertainty in global markets, Canadians are choosing to invest in themselves,” Carney said, adding that the federal government would lead by example through procurement policies favouring local industries.
The prime minister outlined plans to source Canadian materials and expertise for major infrastructure, housing and defence projects. From expanding affordable housing to modernising military equipment, he said public investment would increasingly rely on homegrown supply chains, including Canadian steel, aluminium, timber and technology.
The announcement followed sharp remarks from Trump, who warned that the US would impose blanket tariffs of up to 100 per cent on Canadian exports if Ottawa moved ahead with deeper trade ties with Beijing. In a social media post, Trump accused Canada of undermining American economic interests and cautioned against allowing Chinese goods easier access to US markets through Canadian channels.
The former president’s comments came soon after Carney’s high-profile visit to China — the first by a Canadian leader in nearly ten years — aimed at restoring strained commercial relations. During the trip, the two sides agreed to ease duties on select Canadian agricultural products and discussed frameworks for managing imports of Chinese electric vehicles, alongside potential investment cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping described the visit as a positive reset in bilateral ties, while Carney said the discussions were guided by pragmatism, especially amid ongoing trade friction with Washington.
Trade analysts say the escalating rhetoric highlights growing strain in North American economic relations, even as Canada seeks to diversify its global partnerships. Carney’s government, meanwhile, appears focused on reinforcing domestic manufacturing and reducing exposure to geopolitical shocks.
“We will build at scale, with Canadian hands and Canadian resources,” Carney said. “By supporting our own industries, we are strengthening our economy and protecting our future.”
