A veteran Republican senator from a border state has expressed her concerns to Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the potential enhancement of Canada’s economic and political connections with the European Union.
Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who is gearing up for a re-election contest in the upcoming midterms in a state that heavily relies on cross-border commerce, lamented that Canada is pivoting towards the EU in reaction to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“This does not contribute to restoring the positive relationship we once enjoyed, and which I hope we can rebuild,” Collins remarked to CBC News correspondent Katie Simpson at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
Earlier that day in Strasbourg, France, with Carney in attendance, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe is eager to facilitate Canada’s progression towards becoming an “associate member” of the EU.
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(The exact implications of this potential status are unclear, as “associate member” is not a recognized legal term within the EU framework. Although Canada’s ambassador to the EU mentioned that the two parties are still “a ways away” from formalizing such an arrangement, Carney has expressed interest in establishing a “unique alliance” with Europe.)
In response to inquiries about this possibility, Trump described it as “laughable” and issued threats to impose penalties on Europe.
“If they proceed with that and I perceive it as even slightly hostile, I will implement serious tariffs or halt trade with Europe on numerous items,” he stated. “If there’s goodwill behind it, that’s acceptable.”
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a potential Canada-EU trade alliance, threatening additional tariffs if he perceives it as ‘a hostile act.’ Meanwhile, Democrats in Washington have voiced support for Canada and advocated for the resumption of trade discussions.
Collins believes that Canada enhancing its relationship with Europe could hinder the Carney administration’s ability to negotiate an agreement with the Trump administration to resolve the escalating trade conflict.
“I think both Canada and the U.S. should return to negotiations. I do not endorse this tariff conflict,” Collins declared.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has suggested creating a pathway for Canada to achieve the status of the EU’s first associate member, a designation that currently does not exist.
Collins has consistently sought to distance herself from Trump’s tariff strategies, partly because Canada constitutes approximately two-thirds of Maine’s imports and around 40 percent of its exports.
She took pride last week when the Trump administration declared exemptions for cement and road salt—two significant products imported from Canada—removing them from a list of goods facing new tariffs of 50 percent.
‘Not in the interest of our country’
Collins’s remarks occur as there are increasing indications of discontent among some Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress regarding Trump’s trade approach towards Canada, especially with the November 3 midterm elections approaching.
The Republicans maintain slim majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and could lose their grip on Congress if Democrats manage to flip a few districts or states.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana who has occasionally diverged from Trump’s policies, expressed his opposition to the trade war.
“I believe it is incorrect to engage in a trade war with Canada. It does not serve our country’s interests,” Cassidy stated.
U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, is seen at the U.S. Capitol on May 19. Coons mentioned to CBC News on Wednesday that he is organizing a ‘bipartisan trip to Canada’ for his congressional colleagues. (J. Scott Applewhite/The Associated Press)
Democratic Senator Chris Coons from Delaware noted that halting Trump’s trade conflict with Canada will be “a significant challenge” even if Democrats succeed in the midterms.
“We won’t be able to change the course immediately, but should we gain a new majority in Congress after the November elections, Canadians will start to recognize their neighbors once more,” Coons shared with CBC News.
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Coons mentioned that he has been in discussions with “personal friends” in Carney’s cabinet about steps that he and other congressional members could take to restore alliances with Canada.
He is working towards organizing “a bipartisan trip to Canada for American lawmakers to convey that we understand your concerns and are taking action.”
Coons did not disclose the names of the Canadian cabinet members he has been in contact with, and his office did not provide further details about which lawmakers might participate in the trip or when it might occur.
This initiative is part of a broader effort among Democrats to address the concerns of many Americans who feel that Trump’s tariffs are increasing living costs, a key issue highlighted in midterm polling.
This week, Senate Democrats officially introduced legislation aimed at repealing and refunding all tariffs imposed by the Trump administration under Section 338 of the Tariff Act, including the 50 percent duties placed on Canadian products in August.
The bill, first presented in the House by Congressman Brad Schneider of Illinois, is named the BAD DEAL Act, an acronym for Banning Antiquated Duties and Delivering Equitable American Levies.
It remains uncertain whether any such Democratic legislation would have a chance of being enacted while Trump remains in office for the next two-plus years.
Even if Democrats gain control of both the House and the Senate, the U.S. president retains veto authority over legislation unless it secures approval from a two-thirds majority in both chambers.