PM Carney Enjoys Italian Getaway Amid Trade Negotiation Tensions

WHO:

theglobeandmail.com - Prime Minister Mark Carney is on vacation in Italy.

Global News - Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Conservative critic for Canada-U.S. relations Shuvaloy Majumdar are involved in urging Carney regarding trade negotiations.

Global News - U.S. President Trump is mentioned in relation to the trade negotiations.

WHAT:

theglobeandmail.com - Carney is on a reduced schedule for a week in Italy for “personal commitments” through to Aug. 17.

theglobeandmail.com - Trade talks between Canada and the U.S. have intensified ahead of new 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods set to be enacted on Aug. 19.

Global News - Poilievre criticized Carney for making concessions in U.S. trade negotiations, stating he has “backed down” to multiple American demands.

Global News - Poilievre and Majumdar's letter cites specific concessions made by Carney, including the removal of the digital services tax and dropping retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products under CUSMA.

WHERE:

theglobeandmail.com - Carney is vacationing in Italy.

Global News - The trade negotiations are between Canada and the U.S.

WHEN:

theglobeandmail.com - The 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are set to be enacted on Aug. 19.

theglobeandmail.com - Carney's vacation in Italy is through to Aug. 17.

WHY:

theglobeandmail.com - The trip was cleared by the federal Ethics Commissioner, and it is not unusual for such trips to be run past the Ethics Commissioner.

Global News - Poilievre argues that Carney has made concessions without receiving anything in return, which he believes undermines Canada's negotiating position.

HOW:

theglobeandmail.com - Carney's office stated he will remain in close contact with his team and officials on priorities, including the Canada-U.S. trade negotiations.

Global News - Carney indicated that Ottawa is seeking a “win-win deal” that includes various sectors such as steel, aluminum, forestry, and automobiles.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 13:25 UTC)

Prime Minister Mark Carney is currently on vacation in Italy for personal commitments and will be away until August 17, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and his colleague Shuvaloy Majumdar are pressuring him regarding ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. These talks have intensified as new tariffs of 50% on Canadian goods are set to take effect on August 19, with Poilievre criticizing Carney for making concessions, including the removal of the digital services tax. Despite being on vacation, Carney's office assures that he will stay in close contact with his team to work towards a “win-win deal” that encompasses key sectors like steel, aluminum, forestry, and automobiles.