"If US no longer wants to lead, Canada will," Carney proposes global free trade coalition

After announcing counter-tariffs on U.S. auto imports, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that Canada was "ready" to lead a coalition of countries that believed in free trade and global cooperation following U.S. President Donald Trump's global "Liberation Day" tariffs.In a bold proposal, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney suggested that if the U.S. steps back from global leadership, Canada could spearhead a new international free trade coalition. Carney emphasized Canada’s role in fostering multilateral cooperation to counter protectionism and promote economic growth. The initiative aims to unite like-minded nations in advancing fair and sustainable trade policies amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.