Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed a Democratic push to repeal United States President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, after the Democrats' sweeping midterm victory on 3 November. Speaking to reporters in Winnipeg on Friday, Carney said restoring free trade would help families and workers on both sides of the border, but he cautioned that no relief is immediate.

"We welcome any moves to restore a free trading arrangement between Canada and the United States, which is in the interests of American families struggling with affordability," Carney said, according to the Associated Press. "It's in the interest of American workers looking for good, high-paying jobs and it's fundamentally in the interest of Canadians."

Senior Democrats have identified the tariffs as an early target when the new Congress takes office in January. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, who is expected to chair the Senate Finance Committee, has named the tariffs on Canada as one of the first measures he wants repealed, and the Wall Street Journal reported that he was already talking to colleagues about drafting legislation. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer introduced legislation in September aimed at repealing Trump's tariffs, including the duties on Canadian goods.

Carney said he had not spoken with Wyden or other Democrats about the planned legislation, and Ottawa will keep negotiating with Washington in the meantime. Even if a repeal bill passes Congress, the president can veto it, and an override would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers, so the Democrats are likely to need Republican support.

The midterm result leaves Canada with a choice: accept a deal that reduces Trump's tariffs but leaves some in place, or hold out for full restoration of free trade. Pressure is rising because Trump has also threatened new tariffs on Canadian automobiles from January.