Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters in Ottawa that the United States needs to "stop trying to be tough" and start negotiating seriously if it wants to resolve the ongoing trade dispute between the two countries, which has intensified over automobile tariffs. His comments follow weeks of escalating tension, including Donald Trump renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America" via executive order and senior US officials mocking Canada, actions Carney dismissed as "not constructive" and, regarding jibes at the Canadian military, "beneath their office."

Canada suspended trade talks on 21 August, with Carney citing several sticking points: US demands over language and culture, restrictions on Canada's future trade deals and sovereignty, and terms that would leave Canadian industries, including the automotive sector, subordinate to or gradually wound down in favour of their American counterparts. Trump responded by accusing Canada of wanting "the benefits of being a State, without being one," while Carney argued the US misunderstands the relationship, insisting Washington needs both Canadian and Mexican automakers. Carney left the door open to further talks but warned Canadian lawmakers that relations with the US represent "a new normal" rather than a temporary rupture.