OTTAWA — POLITICS – Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada welcomes efforts by U.S. Democrats to roll back tariffs on Canadian goods after their midterm victories, but the change in Congress does not produce immediate relief for Canadian workers and exporters.
Democrats won control of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate in Tuesday’s election, according to projections by The Associated Press and major U.S. networks. The results remain subject to the normal certification process, and the new Congress will not take office until January.
Carney told reporters Friday that restoring free trade would benefit families and workers on both sides of the border. He also said he had not yet spoken with Democrats about their proposed tariff action.
A possible opening, not a deal
Senior Democrats have identified tariffs as an early target when they take control. The Associated Press reported that the party plans quick action on legislation to reverse some of President Donald Trump’s import taxes. Massachusetts congressman Richard Neal, the senior Democrat on the House committee responsible for trade, has repeatedly opposed the Canada tariffs.
Congress can challenge presidential tariff measures, but that does not guarantee their removal. Trump remains president, can veto legislation and has used executive powers under several laws to impose duties. Overriding a veto requires two-thirds support in both chambers.
That means the election has changed the political pressure in Washington more than the legal position at the border. Canadian counter-tariffs and U.S. duties remain in force unless governments change them through negotiations, legislation or court rulings.
Canada’s strategy stays the same
Ottawa continues to negotiate with the Trump administration while expanding trade ties elsewhere. The federal government has said it wants an agreement that protects Canadian workers, the auto sector, French-language culture and national sovereignty.
Conservative MP Jamil Jivani said Ottawa still has to work with Trump and called the trade war a major distraction from domestic problems. Carney’s government says diversification and a fair U.S. agreement must proceed together.
The next firm markers are the seating of the new Congress in January and any legislation that specifically targets the Canada tariffs. Until then, public promises by U.S. lawmakers should be treated as political intent, not settled tariff relief.
