Carney warns of tough times ahead in national address as retaliatory tariffs kick in

Prime Minister Mark Carney is warning Canadians that the country’s pivot away from the United States will come at a cost, but that the alternative would be far worse.

In a national video address set to be released today, Carney reiterated Canada’s plan to respond to the U.S. trade war, including retaliatory tariffs which kicked in just after midnight.

Carney says the aim is to come out stronger and more resilient so no country can hold Canada hostage.

He also says the tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump were designed to harm some Canadians more than others.

Canada’s reciprocal tariffs are a response to new 50 per tariffs imposed by Trump last month, which targeted dozens of products including honey, hockey sticks, milk and cheese.

Carney says he doesn’t believe in escalating the trade war, but Canada’s retaliatory tariffs today are necessary to protect workers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 8, 2026.

By Nick Murray | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.