Canada will do 'whatever it takes' to defend interests in trade talks with US: PM

OTTAWA -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Thursday that his government will do "whatever it takes" to defend national interests in response to recent US tariff threats, local media reported.

Carney made the remarks at a meeting of provincial and territorial leaders in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, stressing that Canada will protect and support its workers, farmers, businesses and families amid trade pressure from Washington.

"We are in a stronger position than we were when this trade war started 18 months ago," Carney said. "We're in a stronger position because of the determination of Canadians themselves, and the focus of the premiers around this table."

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed proclamations to impose an additional 50 percent tariff on certain Canadian goods, saying Canada was discriminating against US commerce.

The additional 50 percent ad valorem duties on certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles and related goods will take effect on Aug 19, according to documents posted on the White House website.

In response, Carney on Monday described the new US tariffs as "the latest in a series of unilateral US trade actions in direct violation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement."

Carney said on Tuesday that he had spoken with Trump and the two sides had agreed to intensify trade negotiations.