At a fundraising event in Southampton, N.Y., U.S. Vice-President JD Vance shared his thoughts on the recent trade deal with Canada, highlighting Prime Minister Mark Carney’s attempt to appear tougher than President Donald Trump. Vance praised Conservative MP Jamil Jivani for his advocacy for Canada during the negotiations.
Speaking at the private function, Vance described Carney as a “very sweet guy,” noting his amicable relationship with him. However, Vance criticized Carney’s approach of trying to outdo Trump, suggesting that Canada had to compromise on several issues despite Carney’s display of strength.
Vance emphasized the role of Jivani, a random MP with a positive rapport with the U.S., in advocating effectively for Canada behind the scenes. He also downplayed Pierre Poilievre’s influence in trade negotiations, referring to him as a “non-entity.”
Trump recently announced a temporary halt on new tariffs following discussions with Carney and intensified bilateral talks. The deal is expected to lower tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles, with Carney urging premiers to reintroduce American liquor to store shelves.
Vance aimed to change Canada’s behavior through the negotiations, asserting that Trump saw an opportunity to secure wins for the U.S. He highlighted Jivani’s discreet involvement in the talks, praising his efforts in areas such as energy and automobile tariffs.
The U.S.-Canada relationship faced challenges under Trump’s administration, characterized by tariff impositions and strained interactions with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Vance underlined his active engagement in the negotiations due to his close ties with Jivani.
Jivani’s proactive role in the negotiations, including visits to Washington for discussions with U.S. officials, has stirred controversy within the Canadian Conservative Party. Poilievre has expressed reservations about any deal with Trump involving tariffs, leading to tensions within the party.
Jivani’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding his involvement in the negotiations. Despite internal party conflicts, Jivani remains committed to contributing to Canada’s trade negotiations with the U.S.