Canada and U.S. relations

Canada has a new Prime Minster, Mark Carney, the former head of the Bank of Canada. Carney announced he was running in the 2025 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election. Carney won on the first ballot with over 85.9% of the vote, making him the leader of the Liberal Party. He succeeded Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently stepped down.

Glenn Williamson, founder and CEO of Canada Arizona Business Council, joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about ongoing relations between the two countries.

Canada and U.S. relations are strained as President Donald Trump has ramped up talk about making Canada the 51st state and doing so with possible military force.

“The 51st state is personal to Canada,” Williamson said. “The reason the politicians are as confused as possible is Canada is still technically leaderless.”

In addition, the Trump Administration has placed 25% tariffs on aluminum and lumber. A snap election is expected to be called as Carney is not a true elected Prime Minister.

“It is a key area. Ironically, the trade discussions that are going on nationally between Canada and the United States are very, very important. The largest component about the Canada-Arizona relationship is money and investment, alternative investment from Canada into the state of Arizona,” Williamson said.

Another part of Canada and Arizona’s relationship is the tourist attraction and “snowbird” community. Williamson said when it gets to be -20 degrees Celsius, Canadians visit the U.S. for a bit, and Arizona is a popular destination. There is also no penalty for Canadians staying 30 days or longer in the U.S., according to Williamson.

He said the biggest hit to Canada, tariff-wise, would be on the automobile industry of Canada.