Canadians elected Mark Carney with the expectation that he would be a strong leader capable of negotiating effectively with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, recent developments have raised questions about Carney's approach to trade relations.

In a campaign ad featuring comedian Mike Myers, Carney encouraged Canadians to put their "elbows up," a nod to the physicality of hockey. Yet, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has since suggested a shift in strategy. He stated, "there is a time in a big (hockey) game, and this is a big game, when you go hard in the corners, you elbows up. But there’s also a time in the game when you want the puck, you want to stick-handle, you want to pass, you want to put the puck in the net. And we’re … at that time in the game." This raises the question of what has changed in the trade landscape.

Since Carney's election on April 28, Trump has escalated trade tensions. He increased tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 percent in June, raised levies on non-CUSMA compliant goods to 35 percent in July, and added a 50 percent surcharge on certain copper products earlier this month. In response, Carney has adopted a more conciliatory tone, stating that Canada’s situation is "still better than that of any other country" and emphasizing the need to "do everything we can to preserve this unique advantage."

As part of this strategy, Carney has removed about half of Canada’s counter-tariffs on CUSMA-compliant goods, excluding steel, aluminum, and automobiles. This decision aims to maintain some level of trade flow, as Trump has allowed other CUSMA-compliant products to enter the U.S. without significant barriers. However, critics argue that this approach should have been paired with increased duties on steel and aluminum, as well as a blanket 35 percent tariff on non-CUSMA U.S. goods.

Such measures could have demonstrated a stronger stance against U.S. tariffs while allowing for a potential de-escalation of tensions. Instead, Carney's administration appears to have opted for a more submissive approach, aligning with other world leaders in hopes of securing a deal that may not fully address Canada's trade concerns.

While some Canadians recognize the need for humility in international relations, there is also a desire to protect national sovereignty. The ongoing trade relationship with the U.S. has been beneficial for both countries for over 36 years. Many Canadians are wary of appearing weak in the face of aggressive trade policies.

In an ideal scenario, trade barriers would not exist. However, as Carney's hockey analogy suggests, navigating the complexities of international trade requires a balance between assertiveness and diplomacy.