In his first news briefing since taking office, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized his administration's commitment to addressing key national issues while preparing for pivotal interactions with President Donald Trump. His election platform heavily criticized Trump's tariff initiatives and the controversial statement about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state, which Carney staunchly rebuffed as unacceptable.

Carney's minority government, secured with 168 of 343 House of Commons seats, is set to begin its new term, with cabinet members being sworn in shortly. Central to Carney's agenda is the upcoming visit from King Charles III and Queen Camilla, scheduled for later this month. Highlighting the importance of this royal visit, Carney stated it serves as a powerful reminder of Canada's sovereignty amidst Trump's proclamations. The King's anticipated role in officially opening the 45th Parliament on May 27 further cements this symbolic gesture.

Simultaneously, Carney is preparing for a critical meeting with Trump at the White House, occurring just a week following the election. The discussions will pivot on pressing tariff-related issues and the overall state of U.S.-Canada relations, particularly in light of Trump's previous antagonistic remarks about the Canadian status. Carney expressed confidence in maintaining a balanced conversation, asserting his resolve to achieve favorable outcomes for Canada without succumbing to hasty compromises.

Moreover, Carney extended an olive branch toward his political adversaries and the broader Canadian populace, emphasizing the need for unity to confront significant national challenges. He acknowledged voters' concerns regarding the rising cost of living and community safety, vowing to tackle these pressing issues with dedication. Following Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s campaign focus on these very themes, Carney remained open to collaboration across party lines to foster a collective response to the citizens’ demands.

With a clear agenda, Carney's leadership aims to navigate complex international relations while fostering unity within Canada, pushing towards cooperative solutions for emerging challenges.