Canada's Mark Carney left with a dilemma after Trump's crushing midterms defeat

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration remains the primary authority on trade agreements despite sweeping Democratic wins in last week’s U.S. midterm elections.His remarks indicate Ottawa will continue looking to the White House for a bilateral deal, even as Democrats prepare to challenge Trump’s tariffs.American tariffs on Canadian exports became a key issue in the midterms, with Democrats blaming them for higher prices and pledging opposition."What is clear is that the people who decide on trade agreements are the executive in the United States over the next two or three years," Carney told reporters in Montreal. "The President, the executive and Americans, not necessarily legislators."He was responding to plans by Quebec to reach out directly to U.S. officials, including governors and senators.The Democratic victories present Canada with a dilemma: accept a deal reducing Trump’s tariffs while leaving some in place, or hold out for free trade as Congress prepares a challenge."In a negotiation, it’s always a good idea to have one negotiator. And that is the government’s responsibility," Carney said.Carney said Ottawa will continue looking to the White House for a bilateral deal, even as Democrats prepare to challenge Trump’s tariffs (Getty Images)Carney said he spoke with Trump over the weekend and could meet him at upcoming summits, noting the leaders communicate regularly."It’s good to sit down, but it’s not absolutely necessary," Carney said.Although issues remain unresolved with Washington, Carney noted Canada has overcome disputes over French-language protections and cultural programming that derailed an August agreement."There are still some tough issues to resolve with the Americans in this negotiation," Carney said.Canada suspended trade talks in August after what Carney termed unacceptable U.S. demands regarding Canadian sovereignty and cultural protections. Trump imposed 50% tariffs on billions in Canadian goods, prompting Canadian retaliation.Trump said before the midterms the nations were "very close" to a deal, while Carney said Washington backed away from demands on Canadian culture, language protections, and trade autonomy.Carney welcomed Democratic efforts Friday to repeal Trump’s tariffs, but did not say if the election changed Canada’s strategy. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden has prioritized tariff repeal, though Trump could veto legislation.Carney emerged as a prominent international counterpoint to Trump after warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January against major powers weaponizing trade. Without naming Trump, he urged middle powers to unite against economic coercion.Carney accused Stellantis of betraying Canadian workers after it agreed to sell its idled Brampton, Ontario, plant to armored vehicle maker Roshel. Stellantis moved planned Jeep Compass production to Illinois as Trump pushes automakers to move manufacturing to the United States.Carney said he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping next week at the APEC summit in Shenzhen, noting Canada’s economic ties with Beijing carry fewer security risks than the broader U.S.-China relationship.