Canadians are facing what former Bank of England governor Mark Carney calls the “biggest crisis” of their lifetime, as tensions with the United States escalate over President Donald Trump’s trade war and economic policies. In a passionate federal election debate, Carney, who has been prime minister for just over a month, laid out plans to protect Canada’s economy and counter the 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Carney’s Bold Response to U.S. Tariffs
Mark Carney vowed that Canada would fight back against U.S. tariffs with counter-tariffs of its own. Speaking during the English-language federal election debate in Montreal, Carney declared, “We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away.” His message was clear: Canada would not be cowed by U.S. economic pressure. The Liberal Party leader promised to reduce red tape within Canada, particularly for internal trade, and push for free trade across the country’s 10 provinces and three territories by July 1, if his party wins the upcoming election on April 28.
Countering Trump’s Global Impact
Carney emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that President Trump’s efforts to disrupt the global trading system and undermine Canada’s economic sovereignty posed a direct threat to the nation’s future. “Donald Trump is trying to fundamentally change the world economy, the trading system, but really he’s trying to break us so the U.S. can own us,” Carney said. “They want our land, they want our resources, they want our water, they want our country.”
In a fiery closing statement, Carney pledged that if re-elected, he would fight back with countermeasures, protecting Canadian workers and pushing for trade talks with the U.S. immediately. His words resonate with Canadians who feel that their country’s sovereignty is at stake amid growing tensions between the two nations.
Electoral Shifts Amid Trade War Tensions
The ongoing trade conflict with the U.S. has had a significant impact on Canadian politics. Carney’s Liberal Party, which had trailed the Conservative Party by a large margin in mid-January, now leads by five percentage points in recent polls. The shift in poll numbers is a direct result of the public’s growing concern over Trump’s trade policies, which have made Canadians feel vulnerable to U.S. economic dominance.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to cut red tape and repeal “anti-energy laws and high taxes,” but Carney has pointed out that much has changed since his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s time in office. Poilievre’s criticism of the Liberal government, particularly on energy and housing issues, contrasts with Carney’s promise of action on national unity and economic protectionism in the face of U.S. tariffs.
Carney’s Call for Change
During a French-language leaders’ debate, Carney reminded Canadians that his leadership marks a fresh start for the country. “We need change. You do not embody change,” Carney told Poilievre. However, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanche also pointed out that Carney’s new leadership doesn’t signify a break from the past, with the same political dynamics and policies still in play. Yet Carney, having been in power for only a short time, remains committed to leading Canada through these turbulent times, ensuring that the country stands firm in the face of external pressures.
