‘Won’t be for sale, ever’: B.C. politicians react to Carney’s first visit with Trump

Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump engage in a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, May 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

It was a high stakes meeting at the White House Tuesday between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump, that started with smiles and matching fist pumps and was followed by mutual flattery in the Oval Office.

“We were watching it from both sides, and I think Canada chose a very talented person, a very good person,” said Trump, regarding the outcome of Canada’s recent election.

“Thank you for your hospitality, and above all for your leadership. You’re a transformational president,” responded Carney, in front of a throng of reporters.

Conversation turned quickly to the United States annexing Canada.

“I do feel it’s much better for Canada, but we’re not going to be discussing that, unless somebody wants to discuss it,” said Trump.

“Well, if I may, as you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” responded Carney from the Oval office.

“We’re sitting in one right now, Buckingham Palace that you visited, as well. And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign for the last several months, it’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale, ever,” he said.

Trump pushed the idea for Canada to become the 51st state again in the meeting, “Never say never,” the president repeated.

“Never,” mouthed Carney for the cameras.

Trump said there’s nothing Carney could say Tuesday that would cause him to lift the tariffs he’s imposed on the country.

At one point in the meeting, the prime minister pushed back regarding the USMCA trade deal.

“It is a basis for a broader negotiation. Some things about it are going to have to change, and part of the way you’ve conducted these tariffs has taken advantage of existing aspects of USMCA,” said Carney.

Trump reiterated his goal of ending reliance on Canada’s auto sector, but, notably, forestry didn’t come up. It was a source of frustration for B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad.

“Very disappointed, to hear, or not hear, the issue of softwood lumber was not raised,” noted Rustad Tuesday.

The meeting was a tight rope of diplomacy, and Carney’s performance got good marks from Ravi Kahlon, the head of B.C.’s tariffs committee.

“Quite frankly, the prime minister did a very good job of walking a very fine line,” he said.

Washington State’s Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck visited the BC.. legislature Tuesday, and echoed Carney’s message about Canada not becoming the 51st state.

“No attempt to one up the prime minister. It’s never, never, never, never, never going to happen,” Heck told reporters.

After the meeting, Carney expressed optimism about trade relations and tariffs getting dropped.

“I’m not trying to suggest at any respect that we can have one meeting and everything changed, but now we are engaged, and very fully engaged,” he told reporters outside the Canadian embassy.

Meanwhile, Trump continued his compliments for Carney, following their oval office meeting.

“We had a great meeting today, actually, with the new prime minister who is a terrific guy,” he said.

The two leaders will meet again at the G7 in Alberta in June.