Carney’s Tariff U-Turn: From Elbows Up to Elbows Down

Carney's Tariff U-Turn: From Elbows Up to Elbows Down?

In a surprising move, Prime Minister Mark Carney has been accused of a bait-and-switch tactic regarding his stance on U.S. tariffs. Despite campaigning on a promise to take an "elbows up" approach to protect Canada's economy, Carney's government has significantly reduced counter-tariffs in various sectors, leaving many Liberal supporters feeling betrayed.

The National Post reported on April 28, 2025, that Carney had rolled out sweeping exemptions for products related to Canadian manufacturing, food and beverage packaging, healthcare, public safety, and national security, just days before the election. This included a six-month tariff exemption for automakers like General Motors, allowing them to import vehicles without facing the tariffs he had previously threatened.

The Canada Gazette published on May 7, 2025, further detailed the exemptions, highlighting the concerns of stakeholders who found it challenging to adapt their supply chains to the proposed surtaxes. The sudden reversal casts doubt on Carney's initial claims that the tariffs would support Canadian workers and suggests that the government succumbed to pressure from Canadian businesses.

Moreover, a Globe and Mail editorial condemned Carney's cabinet for being a product of quota-driven appointments and political favoritism, further weakening his credibility. His harsh words against the U.S. administration during the campaign now appear hollow in light of the friendly meeting with President Trump, where the latter commended Carney as a "talented guy."

This shift in policy also mirrors actions taken by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, whom Carney's supporters had previously criticized for not implementing counter-tariffs. The prime minister's failure to maintain his tough stance on tariffs post-election has led to accusations of hypocrisy and a lack of genuine leadership.

The controversy extends beyond economic policy, striking at the heart of political integrity. Canadians are questioning which promises will hold true and which will be sacrificed for political expediency. The "elbows up" slogan that characterized Carney's campaign now seems to have transformed into an "elbows down, tail tucked" reality, as his government's actions fail to match his earlier rhetoric.

The rollback of tariffs not only reflects a reversal in his trade strategy but also raises concerns about the consistency of his leadership. As Carney grapples with the early challenges of his term, Canadians are left to ponder which promises will stand the test of time and which will fall by the wayside in favor of political convenience.