Ottawa — A leading policy expert has cautioned that Canada faces mounting pressure as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies his demands on trade and energy, leaving Ottawa with limited room to maneuver.
According to the analysis, Trump’s aggressive tariff threats and push for allies to align with Washington’s strategy on Russia and China are creating a challenging environment for Canada. With the U.S. being Canada’s largest trading partner, experts say Ottawa is left in a vulnerable position, forced to balance domestic priorities with the risk of damaging economic fallout if it resists U.S. demands.
“Canada doesn’t really have a say when Trump makes these kinds of moves. The imbalance in the relationship means Ottawa often has to adjust, whether it wants to or not,” the expert said.
The situation is particularly difficult as Canada navigates its own commitments to NATO, its climate agenda, and its support for Ukraine, all while maintaining stable economic ties with Washington. Analysts warn that further escalation of tariffs or unilateral measures by the U.S. could derail Canada’s trade strategies and put additional strain on industries already facing global uncertainty.
For Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, the challenge lies in pushing back diplomatically while protecting Canadian jobs and investments. Officials insist they are committed to standing firm on national interests, but observers note that Canada’s options remain constrained by the sheer weight of its economic dependence on the U.S.
The warning underscores the precarious balance Ottawa must strike as Trump’s policies continue to ripple through the global economy and test the resilience of U.S.-Canada relations.