Carney Tells U.S. Business Leaders a Strong Canada Will Help ‘Make America Great Again’

By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | May 29, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has told business leaders in New York that a stronger and more economically independent Canada would help strengthen the United States, saying “Canada Strong will help make America great again” as he called for renewed cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. The remarks were delivered during a speech at the Economic Club of New York, where Carney outlined his vision for a new phase of Canada-U.S. economic relations.  

Speaking before senior executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders, Carney argued that Canada’s efforts to diversify trade and reduce overdependence on the American market should not be viewed as separation but as a strategy that ultimately benefits both countries. According to him, a stronger, more resilient Canada becomes a more reliable partner for the United States in an increasingly uncertain global economy.  

Carney’s comments come at a sensitive moment in North American trade relations, with the scheduled review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) approaching in July. The trade pact review is expected to reopen difficult discussions surrounding tariffs, manufacturing rules, and supply chain cooperation between the three countries.

During his speech, Carney emphasized that the United States and Canada remain deeply economically connected despite recent political tensions and trade disputes. He highlighted sectors where closer cooperation remains essential, including automobile manufacturing, aluminum production, energy, and critical minerals used in modern technologies. He argued that global competition, particularly from major economic rivals, makes cooperation between the two countries increasingly necessary.  

“We know that while Canada and the United States have had our differences over the centuries, we have always worked through them because we share values and our common interests run deep,” Carney told the audience, while promoting what he described as a “true partnership” between the two economies.  

The Prime Minister also suggested that the global economy is undergoing what he called a major “rupture,” pointing to shifting trade policies, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions that are forcing countries to rethink economic alliances. In response, Carney said Canada has been expanding trade relationships globally and signing new economic agreements to strengthen long-term resilience.  

Although Carney echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s famous political slogan by saying a strong Canada would help “make America great again,” analysts say the statement was aimed at appealing to American business audiences and reinforcing the economic case for closer bilateral cooperation rather than political alignment. The phrase quickly attracted public debate online, with supporters describing it as strategic diplomacy and critics questioning the symbolism of invoking Trump’s messaging.  

The speech reflects a broader effort by Carney’s government to attract investment into Canada while repositioning the country as both more independent and globally competitive. Officials say Canada remains one of America’s largest trading partners and a major supplier of energy, electricity, natural gas, minerals, and industrial materials essential to U.S. industries.  

Carney’s New York visit also included meetings with financial institutions and business leaders as part of efforts to boost investor confidence and encourage long-term partnerships at a time of economic uncertainty and slowing growth in Canada.