Title: Canadians Doubt Carney's Ability to Secure U.S. Trade Deal

In the world of politics, much like hockey, a lack of aggression can lead to unfavorable outcomes. This sentiment is echoed in the current skepticism surrounding Mark Carney's ability to negotiate a trade deal with the United States. A recent poll from the Angus Reid Institute reveals that nearly 70% of Canadians believe Carney's recent conciliatory approach towards U.S. President Donald Trump is merely for show and will not result in any meaningful progress on trade negotiations.

Carney, who previously had no experience in high public office, made headlines during the 2025 election. He unexpectedly outperformed expectations, particularly against rival Pierre Poilievre. His success was largely attributed to a campaign slogan that resonated with voters: "Elbows up." This phrase became a rallying cry for the Liberal Party of Canada, helping them avoid a fourth-place finish in the election. The campaign featured Carney alongside Canadian actor Mike Myers in a memorable ad set at a hockey rink, where they exchanged playful banter about Canadian culture.

However, Carney's recent shift in strategy has raised concerns. At a press conference in late August, he announced the removal of retaliatory tariffs and used a series of hockey metaphors to explain his decision. He stated, "There is a time in a game, in a big game – and this is a big game – when you go hard in the corners with your elbows up. There’s a time in the game when you drop your gloves in the first period and you send a message. And we’ve done that, pretty uniquely in the world."

Despite his attempts to convey a strong message, the public's confidence in Carney's ability to secure a favorable trade deal is waning. The poll indicates that many Canadians attribute the lack of progress to Trump's administration, which remains deeply unpopular in Canada, with 71% of respondents viewing it negatively. Additionally, a third of Canadians find Carney's approach to Trump inappropriate, further eroding trust in his negotiation skills.

Currently, only 25% of Canadians feel confident that Carney and his team are capable of securing a beneficial trade agreement. While his approval ratings remain stable at 50%, they have declined since the summer, and his negative perception is on the rise.

As Carney navigates these challenges, the pressure is mounting. Having won the election on the promise of being assertive, he now faces the reality that failing to uphold that commitment could have serious consequences for his political future. With skepticism growing among the electorate, Carney may need to adopt a more aggressive stance to regain their trust and effectively advocate for Canada's interests in trade negotiations with the U.S.