Stephen Harper says Canada must urgently reduce dependence on U.S.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper urged Canada to lessen its reliance on the U.S., calling recent U.S. actions a threat to sovereignty and recommending measures such as tariffs and faster resource projects while noting a forthcoming review of the CUSMA trade agreement.

Former prime minister Stephen Harper spoke at an Ottawa gala marking 20 years since he formed a Conservative government and said Canada must urgently pivot away from heavy reliance on the U.S. He described recent U.S. conduct as hostile and said the U.S. president has questioned Canadian sovereignty. Harper urged Canadians to set aside emotion and focus on policy responses. He framed the shift as necessary to protect Canada’s economy and national independence. Key points: - Harper said Canada must reduce its dependence on the U.S. while acknowledging the United States will remain a principal partner. - He proposed considering tariffs on U.S. goods to protect Canada’s industrial base and emphasized preserving the right to sell critical resources to non-U.S. buyers. - Harper urged advancing natural-resource projects, including a pipeline to the B.C. coast and faster regulatory approvals to attract global investment. - The article notes Canada is preparing to review CUSMA, its trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico. Summary: Harper’s remarks call for a strategic reassessment of Canada–U.S. economic ties and an emphasis on diversifying markets and strengthening the resource sector. The government’s review of CUSMA is underway as a related policy process. Undetermined at this time.