Harper Urges Trade Shift, Says He Advised Carney’s Team to Wean Canada Off U.S. Reliance

Harper Urges Trade Shift, Says He Advised Carney’s Team to Wean Canada Off U.S. Reliance

Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has triggered a new debate over Canada-U.S. relations by revealing he was recently approached by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration for strategic trade advice. Harper said he recommended Ottawa pursue diversified exports beyond the United States, while seeking short-term stability through minimal trade arrangements with Washington. 

At a legislative conference in Saskatoon, Harper acknowledged having been one of Canada’s most pro-American leaders. But in a clear shift of stance, he stated:

> “At the time, anyone asking for my advice would have been told to deepen ties with our neighbor. But two weeks ago, I urged the opposite: diversify.” 

He emphasized Canada must reduce dependency on a single market—even as he hailed its geographical advantage—and argued for expanded military spending to ensure Canada’s sovereignty. 

Harper’s comments come at a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney—former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor—has positioned himself as a leader of national economic resilience. In his campaign to redefine Canada’s relationship with the U.S., Carney has emphasized renegotiating trade agreements, boosting ties with Europe, and reinforcing Canadian sovereignty amid ongoing U.S. tariff threats under the Trump administration. 

In response to Harper’s claims, Carney’s team pushed back, calling the former prime minister’s assertions a case of “revisionist history,” and defending Carney’s record in monetary policy and crisis management. They noted that Harper himself had appointed Carney to lead the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis. 

Observers say Carney’s mandate to shift Canada’s strategic direction—including changes in defense spending, trade alliances, and independence—signals a tectonic shift in Ottawa’s foreign policy. 

As Canada evaluates its economic posture amid trade conflict and political uncertainty, the debate between Harper’s cautionary note and Carney’s bold restructuring reflects the broader question: should Canada pivot away from the U.S. or continue past alliances?

#StephenHarper #MarkCarney #CanadaUSTrade #TradeDiversification #CanadianPolitics #CanadaSovereignty #HarperAdvises #CanadianEconomy