Mark Carney to Meet Donald Trump Next Week: Key Talks Expected on Economy and Policy

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his first press conference following his election win to outline several major events and decisions that will shape his new government’s early agenda.

Key Dates Announced by Carney:

• May 6: Carney will travel to Washington, DC, for a meeting with former US President Donald Trump.

• Week of May 12: Canada’s new federal Cabinet will be sworn in.

• May 26–27: King Charles III and Queen Camilla will visit Canada and officially open the new Parliament session.

• July 1: Carney pledged to implement a tax reduction by Canada Day, aimed at increasing disposable income for Canadians.

Carney used the event to highlight Canada’s democratic values and diversity, stating that the country must act with unity in the face of external threats and economic challenges. He emphasized a positive, collaborative approach, encouraging Canadians to rise above partisan divides.

During the media session, Carney addressed the future of his political opponent, Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, lost his seat in the Ottawa area during the recent election and won’t be part of the new Parliament when it opens on May 27. Carney acknowledged the possibility of a by-election that could allow Poilievre to re-enter Parliament if a Conservative MP steps down to create an opening. One MP from Alberta has reportedly volunteered to resign.

Carney indicated he would support this effort and even suggested the Liberal Party might refrain from contesting the by-election, allowing Poilievre a smoother path back into Parliament. “No games—just straightforward support if they choose that path,” he said, presenting it as an act of political goodwill.

This gesture comes after Carney called for national solidarity in response to foreign tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, particularly from the United States. He stated, “We’re in a once-in-a-lifetime crisis. It’s time to put on our Team Canada sweaters and act as one.”

Summary

In his first address since leading the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive term in Canada’s federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that he will meet with former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday in Washington, DC.

Carney also announced that King Charles III will deliver the speech from the throne at the opening of Canada’s Parliament on 27 May.

According to Carney, the King’s presence at the parliamentary session reinforces Canada’s national sovereignty.

Throughout his election campaign, Carney emphasized resisting Trump’s proposed tariffs and his statements suggesting Canada should become the 51st state of the United States—something Carney firmly stated will “never” happen.

In Monday’s election, the Liberal Party secured 168 of the 343 seats in the House of Commons—enough to form a minority government, though short of the 172 required for a majority.

Other Political Developments:

• NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his Vancouver-area seat and resigned as party leader.

• Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault also stepped down after failing to secure his riding in Montreal.

A major announcement was the confirmation that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will open the 45th session of Canada’s Parliament in late May. This is the first time a reigning monarch will perform this ceremonial duty in Canada since Queen Elizabeth II did so in 1977.

The royal visit is viewed as more than symbolic. It reinforces Canada’s constitutional monarchy and distinguishes the country from its southern neighbor, which fully severed ties with the British Crown nearly 250 years ago. Inviting the King—who has made 19 official visits to Canada—highlights Canada’s desire to maintain a distinct identity and sovereignty, especially in contrast to calls from Donald Trump suggesting North American political unification.

Carney’s decision to have the monarch deliver the “speech from the throne” underlines Canada’s historical and constitutional framework. Normally, this duty is carried out by the Governor General. The King’s presence on this occasion makes a rare and powerful statement about the nation’s place in the world.

As Carney wrapped up the conference, he noted that Cabinet formation was still underway and emphasized his commitment to gender parity and efficiency in ministerial appointments. François-Philippe Champagne’s role as finance minister remains under consideration.

In Summary:

• Carney will meet Donald Trump on May 6.

• The new Cabinet will be sworn in the week of May 12.

• King Charles III will open Parliament on May 27.

• Carney aims to pass a tax cut by July 1.

• He’s open to facilitating a by-election for Poilievre.

• Canada is reinforcing its identity as a constitutional monarchy through the royal visit.

This series of announcements and gestures signals a cooperative, forward-looking tone from the newly elected Prime Minister as Canada navigates a changing political landscape.