Canada PM rejects oil export curbs amid US trade dispute

Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly dismissed the idea of restricting Canadian oil exports to the United States as a retaliatory measure in an escalating trade dispute, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining Canada's reputation as a reliable global supplier. The comments were made on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during a press conference in Red Deer, Alberta, where Carney was joined by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Carney stated that leveraging energy exports would damage a key national asset: international trust. He argued that when a country supplies a key commodity, it must think very hard about not supplying. While he said Canada has many other options to respond to U.S. trade actions, he declined to rule out using energy as a bargaining chip entirely, stating he would not be drawn on what specific measures might be taken. His focus, he said, is on building toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement if one is possible.

The prime minister's remarks come as the United States prepares to impose a new round of 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods, including automotive, dairy, and alcoholic beverage products, effective August 19. The White House has...