Canadians are facing a significant challenge, according to Mark Carney, the Liberal leader and current Prime Minister. Speaking during a federal election debate in Montreal, Carney described the situation as the "biggest crisis" of their lifetimes, largely due to the 25% tariffs imposed by the United States under President Trump.
Carney emphasized that Canada can overcome these challenges. "We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away," he stated, highlighting his plans to reduce barriers for trade within Canada’s provinces and territories. He aims to create a more unified economy by implementing free trade across the country by July 1 if his party wins the upcoming election on April 28.
The Prime Minister, who has been in office for just over a month, expressed his commitment to starting trade talks with the Trump administration immediately if re-elected. He underscored the seriousness of the situation, warning that Trump is trying to reshape the global economy to benefit the U.S. at Canada’s expense. "They want our land, they want our resources, they want our water, they want our country," he declared, pledging to protect Canadian workers from the impact of the tariffs.
The context of Carney’s remarks comes amid rising support for the Liberal Party, which has seen a shift in poll numbers. A recent survey showed the Liberals leading by five percentage points, a significant change from earlier in the year when they trailed the Conservative Party. This shift is partly due to the public’s reaction to Trump’s aggressive trade policies.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is also campaigning on reducing red tape and repealing what he calls "anti-energy laws and high taxes." He has aimed to make the election a referendum on Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whose popularity waned as food and housing prices rose.
During the debate, Carney pointed out that the political landscape has changed. He criticized Poilievre for focusing on Trudeau, stating, "I am a very different person than Justin Trudeau." Poilievre countered by accusing the Liberals of being unfriendly to Canada’s energy sector and warned against a fourth Liberal term that could lead to more rising costs for Canadians.
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanche also weighed in, suggesting that a new leader does not equate to real change, as the party remains the same.
As the election approaches, both parties are making their cases to voters, with trade and economic policies at the forefront of the discussion. The outcome will significantly impact Canada’s approach to its relationship with the United States and its internal trade dynamics.