Trump praises neighbourly bonds in Canada Day message to Governor General

OTTAWA — U.S. President Donald Trump is thanking Canada for its “partnership on the global stage” in a Canada Day message to Governor General Julie Payette.

In a written statement from the U.S. Embassy, Trump offers his “sincerest congratulations to all Canadians” as they celebrate the national July 1 holiday.

He says the U.S. and Canada “stand firmly together against threats to our shared democratic values and our freedoms and way of life.”

The message comes as the two neighbouring countries are embroiled in a bitter and escalating trade dispute, with retaliatory tariffs on billions of dollars worth of American goods set to take effect on Canada Day.