Prime Minister Mark Carney is defending his series of international visits, stating they are essential for opening new markets and attracting foreign investment to support Canada’s long-term economic goals.
During a four-day visit to London, Carney met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to follow up on economic and security agreements reached during Starmer’s June visit to Ottawa. Their discussions included strategies for collaborating on global challenges such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
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“We’re going to invest hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade to create hundreds of thousands of careers for Canadians and ensure long-term prosperity,” Carney said. “Some of that funding will come from international sources.”
As part of his trip, Carney met with investment firms from the UK, Asia, Europe, and Africa to promote Canada’s major infrastructure projects and to attract global capital. He clarified that these discussions focused on Canada’s overall investment climate rather than individual deals.
“These conversations are also about understanding how Canada is viewed internationally and identifying ways to raise our investment profile,” he added.
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However, the trip has faced criticism from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who dismissed it as “nothing but Liberal showbusiness,” arguing that Carney should be focused on pressing domestic concerns like crime and affordability.
“So Carney gets nothing for Canada in his costly trip to the UK. British blockade of Canadian beef remains in place and no new trade deal,” Poilievre wrote on social media.
Since taking office in March, Carney has pushed for reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States for trade and security, particularly in light of protectionist moves by U.S. President Donald Trump. Just this week, Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on branded pharmaceuticals, effective October 1, unless manufacturing shifts to U.S. soil.
Carney downplayed the impact of the new tariff, noting that most Canadian pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. are generics and would likely be unaffected.
On Saturday afternoon, Carney took a break from official meetings to attend the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between Canada and top-ranked England at Allianz Stadium. Before the match, he described it as “a match for the ages.” Canada ultimately lost 33–13 in front of a record-setting crowd of nearly 82,000. After the game, Carney joined the Canadian team on the field to offer his support.
The prime minister is scheduled to return to Ottawa on Sunday, after completing what is now his 13th international visit since taking office. He is expected to travel to Asia and Africa later this fall.
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