Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said trade talks with the United States had become "unpleasant" after President Donald Trump criticized the country neighboring America and its leadership, threatening to expand tariffs, UNN reports, citing AP.
Carney said Canada continues to participate in the talks despite Trump's comments, calling them a fight to protect Canadian workers and businesses.
"These are difficult negotiations," Carney said in French. "You could say ‘unpleasant.’ But this is about Canadian jobs. This is about the future of Canadian businesses."
Trump criticized Canada during a speech in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
"Canada is unpleasant. They are that way. They are unpleasant," Trump said. "I love the people, but they are unpleasant. Unpleasant leadership."
Carney said that "we are in the midst of a tariff war with the Americans," but laughed when asked about Trump's description. He said Canadian negotiators are in Washington this week and that he expects further talks with Trump after speaking with him last week.
The United States already has tariffs in place on Canadian steel, aluminum and automobiles. Trump has threatened to impose a 50% tariff on other Canadian goods starting August 19.