As US-Canada tariff war deepens, Carney faces political heat over economy, vows to protect national interests if Trump returns to power
April 18, 2025 | In a bold declaration during a high-stakes election debate, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney identified US President Donald Trump as the “greatest risk” to Canada’s economy, citing the ongoing tariff war and cross-border political tensions.
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Speaking ahead of the April 28 federal election, Carney sparred with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP’s Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois’ Yves-François Blanchet, calling for interprovincial cooperation and a strategic economic front against aggressive US trade actions.
“There’s no doubt — the biggest economic risk Canada faces today is President Trump,” Carney said during the televised debate held in Quebec.
🇨🇦 Key Debate Points:
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- Carney: Trump’s tariffs and threats undermine Canadian sovereignty and economy
- Poilievre: Blames decade of Liberal rule for leaving Canada vulnerable
- Singh: Urges unified strategic response to safeguard Canadian jobs
- Blanchet: Demands clarity on immediate economic relief for citizens
🇺🇸 Canada-US Trade Tensions
Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau in March, confirmed that Canada’s C$60 billion in reciprocal tariffs will remain until the US lifts its duties. Trump’s proposals to “make Canada the 51st state” have only escalated political anxiety north of the border.
Poilievre has proposed a simultaneous tariff drop deal with the US if elected, but Carney warned that Canada’s leverage could diminish under Trump’s “America First” push.
🗳️ Quebec: The Battleground Province
Held in French-speaking Quebec, the debate spotlighted a critical province that controls 78 of 343 House of Commons seats. While Carney faced criticism for his limited French, Poilievre was praised for his fluency.
Historically, Quebec has produced Canada’s last three Liberal prime ministers — Trudeau, Paul Martin, and Jean Chrétien — making it a key swing region in the 2025 election.
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Mark Carney, Donald Trump tariffs, Canada US trade war, Canadian federal election 2025, Mark Carney vs Poilievre, Quebec debate Canada election, Canada reciprocal tariffs, US Canada relations 2025, Trump Canada 51st state remark, Jagmeet Singh debate, Bloc Quebecois news