Canada Seeks ‘Unique Alliance’ With E.U. Amid U.S. Trade War. Here’s What It Could Look Like

In July, Carney, in a joint op-ed with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, urged the “middle powers of the world” to “unite.”

Championing middle power countries that possess significant economic power and diplomatic influence, but lack market or military power, the leaders implored: “In a rapidly changing world, we have the grit and the sisu to chart the path ahead—and we know that so have many others whom we invite to join us on this quest.”

Leblod explains that “ultimately trust has been eroded” with the U.S. and Canada must re-think its place in the wider global economy in the long-term.

“The first time we thought Trump was a blimp, but he’s not, and we’re looking at what’s happening in terms of democracy and political polarization, and a lot of Canadians think we can’t rely on the U.S.,” he says.

According to a poll by Nanos Research, conducted between Aug. 30 and Sept. 2, 74% of Canadians disagreed that “the U.S. is a trustworthy ally of Canada.” An earlier poll by Angus Reid Institute, conducted between July 10-14, found that 42% of respondents said they think the Canadian government should approach the U.S. as an enemy/potential threat.