Carney Meets Trump for Tariff Talks Amid Alberta Teacher Strike

Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump today in Washington, D.C., for their second Oval Office discussion. This meeting comes as Carney seeks to balance the expectations of Canadians with the ongoing challenges of negotiating tariff relief. President Trump recently reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining tariffs, boasting about companies relocating from Canada to the United States.

Experts are advising caution regarding the outcome of today’s discussions. Many believe that immediate tariff reductions are unlikely, suggesting that Carney’s approach must focus on long-term strategies for better trade relations. Since their last meeting in May, Carney and Trump have maintained regular communication, with Ottawa keenly interested in finding a resolution to the tariff situation.

Major Teacher Strike in Alberta

As Carney prepares for his meeting, Alberta is experiencing a significant event in its education sector. The provincewide strike by the Alberta Teachers’ Association has entered its second day, marking it as the largest teachers’ strike in Alberta’s history, involving approximately 51,000 educators. According to Jason Foster, a labour relations professor at Athabasca University, this strike dwarfs the previous teachers’ strike in 2002, which involved less than half that number.

The Alberta government had proposed a 12 percent wage increase over four years and plans to hire an additional 3,000 teachers to address overcrowded classrooms. However, this offer was rejected by the teachers, leading to the current situation. The strike highlights ongoing tensions in the education sector as instructors advocate for better working conditions and pay.

Additional Developments in Canada

In other news, leaders of the “Freedom Convoy,” Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, are expected to receive their sentences today in Ottawa. Nearly four years after their protest movement blocked downtown Ottawa, both were found guilty of mischief, with the Crown recommending lengthy prison sentences.

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is also in Ottawa this week to discuss energy plans. Following her recent pledge to support the development of a new oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast, Smith hopes to submit a proposal for consideration by Carney’s new Major Projects Office by next spring.

Additionally, Asif Saleh, the head of the Bangladesh-based BRAC, has commented on the need for Canadian foreign aid to focus on efficiency. He emphasizes that aid should create local employment and reduce duplication in development projects.

In sports, the Toronto Blue Jays are gearing up for Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. With a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series, the Blue Jays aim to advance to the AL Championship Series, where they will face either Seattle or Detroit if successful.

This report was first published on October 7, 2025, by The Canadian Press.