As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to call a highly anticipated election, our inside sources suggest that April 28 is the most likely date for Canadians to head to the polls.

In a whirlwind series of visits across Paris, London, and Iqaluit, I had the unique opportunity to accompany Mr. Carney—his first international trip as prime minister—offering key insights into his evolving strategy regarding President Trump. This issue is set to be a pivotal point in the upcoming election.

Establishing Respect

One of the cornerstones of Carney’s strategy lies in a strong emphasis on respect when addressing relations with the U.S. president. Distinctly different from his predecessor, Carney has asserted that he will demand that President Trump acknowledges him properly, unlike the previous “governor” references made towards Justin Trudeau. Upon accepting leadership of his party, Carney made it clear that any discussion surrounding the removal of retaliatory tariffs would be contingent upon the respect Canada deserves.

During a press conference in London at the Canada High Commission, Carney made his position unequivocally clear: “They’re disrespectful, they’re not helpful, and they need to stop before we sit down and have a conversation about our broader partnership.” This marks a notable shift in Canada’s diplomatic tone towards the U.S.

No Rush for Negotiations

Carney's approach also reveals a strategic willingness to take a measured pace in negotiations with the U.S. He indicated that quick fixes like hastily negotiating tariff reductions are not in Canada's best interest. As of this past Friday evening, Carney had not yet scheduled a call with Trump since taking office—a deliberate choice reflecting a preference for thoughtful discussions over rushed dialogues.

In a conversation I had with Carney in Iqaluit, he underscored his intention to foster a broader conversation about trade issues without feeling the need to react to every initiative from Washington. “The big issues around trade are going to need to be taken more comprehensively, and they will be taken from a position of strength,” he reaffirmed.

Cultivating New Alliances

Carney's recent tour aimed not only to assert Canada’s stance but also to build alliances with non-U.S. partners. He has already announced a significant partnership with Australia aimed at developing an advanced over-the-surface radar system for Arctic monitoring. This collaborative effort comes as U.S. talks reportedly stalled under Trump, allowing Canada to step in and finalize the agreement first.

Additionally, Canada is positioning itself as a key partner in the European Union’s new military industrial initiative. This development opens doors for Canada to gain preferential access to European defense contracts—indicative of a shift towards reducing reliance on American military assets.

During discussions with European leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, Carney emphasized the importance of cultivating these new relationships, placing Canada in a strong position on the global stage.

Confidence in Sovereignty

In addressing concerns about U.S. threats of annexation, Carney has aimed to project confidence in Canada’s sovereignty. He recently labeled the idea of Canada becoming the "51st state" as “unthinkable,” instead advocating for a narrative that emphasizes Canadian strength and self-sufficiency.

His message resonates clearly: “We don’t need another country to validate our sovereignty. We are sovereign. We don’t need praise from another country. We are proud. We can stand up for ourselves. Canada is strong.” This fortitude reflects the sentiment that Canada can thrive independently of external validation or pressure from the U.S.

In conclusion, as Carney gears up for what promises to be an intense election campaign, his strategy of demanding respect, remaining patient in negotiations, and fostering diverse global partnerships seems poised to redefine Canada’s stance in the complex landscape of U.S.-Canada relations. The upcoming months will certainly reveal the effectiveness of this calculated diplomatic approach.