Prime Minister Mark Carney made his way to Malaysia on Saturday to explore trade opportunities with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). There is anticipation surrounding whether he will have a chance to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend the same event on Sunday.
Trump abruptly halted trade discussions with Canada following his disapproval of an Ontario government advertisement in the U.S. featuring remarks by former President Ronald Reagan supporting free trade. Trump denounced the ad as “FAKE” and declared the termination of all trade negotiations with Canada. In response, Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the suspension of the ad in hopes of resuming negotiations on Monday, although the Prime Minister’s Office remains uncertain about the restart of talks.
Before departing for Kuala Lumpur from Ottawa, Carney reacted calmly to the president’s reaction, highlighting progress in specific sectors like steel, aluminum, and energy. He expressed readiness to resume discussions when the U.S. is prepared, emphasizing the benefits for workers in both countries.
It is uncertain whether Carney will have the opportunity to convey this message to Trump in Malaysia. Trump has stated that he has no intention of meeting with Carney, labeling the ad as “possibly AI.” Upon learning about Ontario’s decision to withdraw the ad, Trump criticized it as “dirty playing” and warned of retaliatory actions.
A senior federal official, speaking anonymously during the flight, confirmed scheduled bilateral discussions with key ASEAN countries. The primary objective is to finalize the Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement for signing next year, aiming to enhance Canadian exporters’ access to the rapidly growing economies in the region.
Carney has emphasized his commitment to identifying avenues for driving economic growth for Canadian businesses. Expectations for outcomes at ASEAN lean towards gradual progress rather than major achievements, given the complexities in negotiations due to varying levels of economic development and regulatory frameworks among ASEAN members.
