Canada’s Foreign Minister Briefs Leadership Candidate on Trump Tariffs

OTTAWA, Canada — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed Thursday that she has briefed Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney on U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, just days before a critical leadership vote set for Sunday.

Joly’s engagement with Carney, who is viewed as the frontrunner for the Liberal leadership, comes at a pivotal time as his potential ascension to the position would place him in the middle of ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.

During a national caucus meeting on Wednesday, Joly disclosed her actions to Liberal MPs, indicating that Carney was among the first to receive updates on the government’s response to Trump’s tariffs. Sources familiar with the meeting, which was conducted virtually, revealed Joly had not yet briefed the other candidates. Joly mentioned she would make time for them if possible.

The backing of numerous cabinet ministers and fellow MPs has positioned Carney as a strong candidate; however, the absence of support from his rivals raises questions about the party’s cohesion. Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould, both Liberal candidates and caucus members, were not present during Wednesday’s briefing.

James Fitz-Morris, Joly’s director of communications, refused to elaborate on the private caucus meeting but stated that Joly has extended offers for briefings to all leadership candidates, characterizing her as having ‘rolling conversations’ about Canada-U.S. relations.

Concerns have emerged as Freeland’s campaign team indicated that she has not received any briefings from the government since announcing her candidacy. Freeland is running on a platform designed to leverage her experience in confronting Trump’s trade policies.

Bailys, another candidate, has publicly criticized the government’s previous responses to Trump, advocating for a more assertive diplomatic stance. He argues that Canada’s current approach has appeared submissive.

Joly is scheduled to accompany Carney at a campaign event in Montreal, signaling tacit endorsement ahead of the pivotal vote on Sunday, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to step down after the leadership decision.

In recent developments, Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods but also provided a temporary grace period for auto tariffs, aimed at easing immediate tensions.