- Carney has said his government will keep retaliatory tariffs, but he remains ready to meet Trump if ‘there is respect for Canadian sovereignty’
TRENTON, Canada
A two-word rallying cry is sweeping across Canada as Mark Carney takes over the prime minister’s office at a time of escalating tensions with the US: “Elbows up!”
The phrase, borrowed from the country’s beloved sport of hockey, is a reference to the legendary Canadian player Gordie Howe, who would fend off opponents with a swift elbow to the ribs or face when they tried to take the puck.
The words are a natural fit for Canadians and Carney, who played at Harvard University and sprinkles his speeches with hockey references.
Canadian politicians, celebrities, and everyday citizens alike have embraced “Elbows up!” as a symbol of national resistance to Trump’s attempts to add Canada to the stars on the American flag – the 51st state.
“We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can but fight when we must: ‘Elbows up!’” Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau said to a cheering crowd of Liberal Party supporters in his farewell address in Ottawa last Sunday.
That was Trudeau’s final message after leading Canada for 10 years through three successive election victories. His departure has paved the way for Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England – a novice in politics but a seasoned economist.
Taking charge in crisis
Carney, 59, steps into the role of prime minister on Friday at a moment of national uncertainty, wary of Trump’s tariff moves, sardonic rhetoric referring to Trudeau as a mere “governor,” and thinly veiled annexation references.
In his acceptance speech last Sunday, he did not mince words about the stakes.
“The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country ... If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life,” he said, vowing to push back against Trump’s economic aggression.
As Canada hit back with retaliatory measures, Carney said his government will “keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect.”
This firm stance is resonating with a frustrated Canadian public. For months, polls showed Trudeau’s Liberals trailing behind the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, but since Carney’s elevation, Liberal support has surged, with some polls now showing a tight race between the two parties.
Canada’s next general elections must be held before Oct. 20 and could be much sooner if the New Democratic Party pulls its support for the minority Liberal government.
‘Toughest economic test’
Carney faces an enormous economic challenge in Trump’s tariffs, but has a unique advantage – as governor of the Bank of Canada, he successfully piloted Canada through the 2008-2009 financial crisis and the country emerged with the best economy among G7 nations.
He was then sought out to head the Bank of England and helped navigate Brexit, even though he had opposed it.
Experts believe Carney’s deep knowledge of financial markets gives Canada a fighting chance.
“All of this prepares him quite well to handle the toughest economic test he has ever faced – how to handle a trade war with a neighbor who seemingly has much more leverage,” wrote Josh Lipsky, a senior director of the Canadian Atlantic Council.
“Trade wars are also currency wars … and Carney is uniquely suited to lead his country in that kind of battle.”
However, not all analysts believe the hardline approach is sustainable.
Hendrik Brakel, federal director of the Sussex Strategy Group, has warned of a perilous time for Canada “suffering as it is from a complete absence of federal leadership until after the election, whenever that is.”
Carney said on Wednesday he remains ready to meet Trump if the US leader respects Canadian sovereignty.
“I am ready to sit down with President Trump at the appropriate time under a position where there is respect for Canadian sovereignty and we are working for a common approach, a much more comprehensive approach for trade,” he said.
Brakel advocates for Carney to negotiate a closer “Fortress North America” trade partnership with the US, allowing free movement of goods, services and investments across the border.
‘Need to pull together’
Carney also recognizes that Canada needs closer trade ties with others, rather than having all its eggs in one basket with the US, its largest trading partner.
At a rally before becoming Liberal leader, he signaled a shift in strategy: “We were friends with our neighbors. Now they are just our neighbors. We will find new friends ... We’re going to diversify our trading partnerships into Europe and the UK.”
On Ukraine, he has pledged to “ensure Canada continues to remain steadfast with Ukraine in defense of freedom against Russian aggression.”
Internally, Carney also advocates for an end to trade barriers between Canada’s provinces, which have long frustrated businesses.
For inflation, he has previously stressed the imperative need for fiscal discipline, but that was before Trump’s chaos, which could require Canada to provide billions of dollars to support businesses and laid-off workers caught up in a trade war.
Given the challenges ahead, Carney has been calling for unity among Canadians: “These are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust … We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”