Mark Carney rejects using Canadian energy as bargaining chip in US trade war

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he does not support using Canadian energy as leverage in trade negotiations with the United States, stressing the importance of Canada remaining a reliable supplier.

According to Global News, Carney said: “I don’t see the value of doing (it). Being a reliable supplier is important.”

“People trust us. And so, when you’re supplier of a key commodity, (a) key service, you’ve got to think really hard about not supplying. So that very much colours it.”

Speaking in Red Deer, Alberta, Carney said his government's priority remains securing a trade agreement with the United States rather than escalating tensions.

The comments come as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) enters its annual review process after US President Donald Trump declined to renew it earlier this month.

Canada and the US have yet to begin formal negotiations, while Washington has threatened new tariffs on Canadian goods from 19 August.

Global News reported that some provincial premiers have suggested using Canadian energy exports as leverage in the talks. However, Alberta and Saskatchewan oppose the idea.

When asked whether he would rule out the option, Carney declined to give a direct answer, saying: “We’re going to focus now on building towards an agreement, if an agreement is possible.”

Canadian officials, including Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, were in Washington this week for trade discussions.