Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has taken a strong position on both Canada’s trade dispute with the United States and Russia’s war in Ukraine. On trade, Carney said Canada recently decided to suspend negotiations with the United States because Ottawa was not satisfied with the deal being offered. He said Canada did not want a short-term agreement that could later be changed or taken away. According to Carney, any deal must provide stability and protect Canadian workers, companies and communities. The trade talks broke down in August after Canada rejected what it considered unfair and economically damaging U.S. demands. The United States then imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada has responded by preparing matching tariffs to protect its own industries. Carney argued that Canada has the resources and strength needed to deal with the pressure. He said Canadians should support each other and continue buying, building and working in Canada. His government is also trying to reduce the country’s dependence on the U.S. by opening new markets and strengthening the Canadian economy. The dispute is important because the United States remains Canada’s biggest trading partner. Recent data showed that more than 66% of Canadian exports went to the U.S., meaning a prolonged trade conflict could create problems for Canadian businesses and workers. Carney also delivered a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said he has met Putin several times and believes the Russian leader responds only to “strength and directness.” If Putin attends the G20 summit in Miami later this year, Carney said he would tell him to “get out of Ukraine,” return Ukrainian territory and end the war. Carney’s comments come as questions grow over whether Putin will attend the G20 summit hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump. Canada continues to support Ukraine and says Russia’s actions were the reason it was removed from the G7 and excluded from the G20. Overall, Carney’s message is that Canada wants fair trade with the U.S., stronger economic independence and continued pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine.