Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the Senate floor, advocating for the removal of all Canadian tariffs on American goods. Citing Carney's support for free and fair trade, Kennedy suggested that zero tariffs would create equal competition for businesses in both countries.

Recalling Canada's swift response in aiding Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, Kennedy emphasized his desire for continued amicable relations between the U.S. and Canada. "I don’t want to be at war with Canada. I don’t want to have a trade war with Canada. I want us to continue to be friends," he said.

Kennedy criticized Carney's stance on former U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies but acknowledged Canada's need to represent its interests. He urged Carney: "Offer to go to zero tariffs in Canada on American goods—no tariffs, none, zero, zilch, nada—and challenge America to remove all of our tariffs on Canada."

Kennedy's comments target the establishment of a tariff-free trade environment between the two nations, promoting open competition between Canadian and American businesses.