Carney Dismisses Trump Talks Query at G20 Amid Tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney dismissed a question about his recent communications with U.S. President Donald Trump during a press conference at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday, saying "Who cares?" as trade tensions between the two countries continue to affect Canadian industries.

The remark came amid ongoing fallout from suspended trade negotiations, which Trump halted last month after an anti-tariff advertisement aired by the Ontario provincial government. The ad, featuring a voiceover of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs, prompted Trump to impose additional duties on Canadian goods and pause talks aimed at easing tariffs on steel, aluminum and automobiles. These measures have led to job losses and reduced hours for workers in affected sectors, including steel and auto manufacturing in regions like Sault Ste. Marie and Hamilton.

Carney, who assumed office in March after replacing Justin Trudeau, had previously apologized to Trump for the ad during a meeting at the White House in October and again at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea later that month. Trump accepted the apology but maintained the...