The federal election campaign is entering its eleventh day, with leaders addressing Donald Trump’s tariffs. Liberal leader Mark Carney, in Ottawa, emphasizes Canada’s strong response, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre proposes targeted tariffs and military reinvestment. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh calls for a united front against U.S. actions, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet advocates for provincial autonomy and international alliances to combat U.S. economic pressure. Each leader outlines distinct strategies to navigate the trade challenges.
Ongoing Federal Election Campaign and Leadership Responses
The federal election campaign is now in its eleventh day, with leaders actively engaging in discussions and strategy sessions, even as the potential impact of Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs hangs over the proceedings.
Mark Carney, the leader of the Liberal Party, is stationed in Ottawa for the day. He expressed Canada’s commitment to counter these tariffs with robust measures during a cabinet committee meeting focused on Canadian-American relations. Carney highlighted the significant and potentially negative transformation that Trump’s tariffs could bring to international trade.
“The American economy will feel repercussions that will intensify over time, which will also have a detrimental effect on Canada,” he conveyed to reporters. In the afternoon, he also connected with provincial premiers to coordinate Canada’s strategic response.
Party Leaders on the Ground
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, began his day in Toronto, securing endorsements from key figures, including Caroline Mulroney, a minister in Doug Ford’s Conservative government and the daughter of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. He delivered a compelling speech centered on economic strategies to counter Trump’s threats.
Poilievre proposed a targeted tariff approach, aiming to impose tariffs on products that Canada can either do without or produce domestically. “We need to implement counter-tariffs that discourage economic aggression from the Americans by focusing on products that can be sourced or manufactured here at home,” he emphasized.
In addition, he suggested that all revenue generated from these counter-tariffs be reinvested to bolster Canada’s military capabilities. Poilievre is committed to supporting businesses affected by the trade conflict and aims to establish an “economic fortress” to reduce dependency on the U.S. He also pledged to expedite the renegotiation of the free trade agreement with the Trump administration ahead of the 2026 deadlines to mitigate uncertainty.
Poilievre is set to conclude his day at a rally in Kingston, Ontario.
Meanwhile, Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader, is stationed in Winnipeg, where he held a press conference in the morning. Singh underscored the importance of Canada responding firmly to the White House’s actions, stating, “A strong dollar-for-dollar response is essential. We must demonstrate strength, but I want to emphasize that I am committed to supporting Team Canada in this challenge against Trump.”
Yves-François Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Québécois, conducted a morning press conference in Causapscal, Bas-Saint-Laurent. He challenged Carney’s proposal to unify the provincial economies, asserting that all thirteen Canadian economies should retain their autonomy and authority to shape their futures.
Blanchet also advocated for forming alliances with Mexico and the European Union to present a cohesive front against the Trump administration while pushing for reciprocal tariff measures. “We need to ensure that reciprocity in tariffs is quantified, dollar for dollar, as Canada alone lacks the necessary weight to confront the American economic powerhouse,” he stated, calling for international collaboration.