Canadians Debate Prime Minister's Apology to Trump
The r/Canada subreddit erupted with over 1,200 comments after Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed he apologized to President Donald Trump over an Ontario-produced anti-tariffs ad that disrupted trade negotiations.
Background of the Controversy
The ad featured excerpts from a 1987 speech by the late President Ronald Reagan discussing tariffs. It was posted online and broadcast during early games of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The ad angered Trump and prompted him to cancel U.S. trade talks with Canada.
Prime Minister's Response
"I did apologize to the president," Carney said, noting Trump was "offended" by the ad. "It's not something I would have done, which is to put in place that advertisement, and so I apologized to him."
Carney emphasized his responsibility as prime minister for the relationship with the U.S. president, stating,
"I'm the one who's responsible, in my role as prime minister, for the relationship with the president of the United States. And the federal government is responsible for the foreign relationship with the US government."
Provincial Premier's Position
Ontario's premier did not apologize for airing the ad that angered President Trump, highlighting a division between provincial and federal responses.
Social Media Reaction
Canadians are actively discussing the incident on social media, expressing varied opinions on the prime minister’s apology and the ad's impact on international relations.
Author's Summary
Prime Minister Carney privately apologized to Trump over a controversial Ontario ad, sparking public debate across Canada about political responsibility and diplomacy.