Carney says Canada will not sign a U.S. trade deal that threatens its auto industry

MANILA — Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government will not sign any trade deal with the United States if it would threaten the future of Canada's auto industry, despite the progress made in negotiations between Ottawa and Washington.

Carney made the remarks at a news conference on Saturday in the Philippine capital, Manila. He stressed that protecting the auto sector and the jobs tied to it is a basic condition for reaching an agreement with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

He said the negotiations are moving in a positive direction, but acknowledged that issues related to the auto industry remain among the most difficult outstanding files between the two countries.

Carney rejects a deal that harms the auto industry

The prime minister stressed that his government does not intend to accept any trade settlement simply to end the disputes with Washington.

He said some parties believe any available deal should be accepted, but stressed that Ottawa is holding to conditions that ensure the continued existence of a competitive Canadian auto sector.