US-Canada tariff war: Pierre Poilievre responds to Donald Trump’s threats, says free ride for America is over
Canada’s Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre called out US President-elect Donald Trump over his threat to impose tariffs on Canadian imports, declaring that the era of America’s “free ride” is over.
“My message to Donald Trump is this – Canada will never be the 51st state, and not only that. The free ride is over,” Poilievre said during a press conference, raising the spectre of a trade war between the two neighbouring countries.
Trump, who takes office next week, has warned of punishing tariffs unless Canada enhances security along the US-Canada border, which he claims is a pathway for undocumented migrants. He also floated the controversial idea of merging the two nations, suggesting such a move could eliminate tariffs and reduce taxes.
Poilievre, seen as a strong contender for Canada’s next prime minister, also launched a broadside against outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing his Liberal government of policies that weakened Canada’s position.
“The first thing Trump should do is to send a big bouquet of flowers to the Liberal government in Ottawa,” Poilievre said at a press conference in Vancouver on Thursday.
He argued that Trudeau’s blocking of pipelines and LNG projects forced Canada to rely on the US as its primary energy customer, giving Trump significant leverage in tariff negotiations.
“The era of Liberal tax increases and anti-development policies that have driven a half-trillion dollars of our money south of the border is over,” Poilievre asserted.
His remarks came after Trudeau rebuked Poilievre for breaking ranks over the tariff dispute. “It is up to Poilievre to say whether he is part of Team Canada or whether he stands with Trump,” Trudeau said.
The conservative leader fired back, accusing the Liberals of dividing the country and emboldening Trump. He promised sweeping reforms, including tax cuts, deregulation, and measures to boost Canadian enterprise.
“We will be a fierce free-enterprise economy that delivers powerful paycheques to our people,” he said. “That guarantees that hard work gets you a powerful paycheque that buys affordable food and homes in safe neighbourhoods. That is how we bring it home for Canada.”
Earlier, Poilievre had pledged to “put Canada first,” vowing to take back control of the US-Canada border and eliminate taxes he views as barriers to economic growth. His leadership has gained traction, earning endorsements from high-profile figures like billionaire Elon Musk.
