Liberal Party Candidates in Canada Debate Best Strategy to Counter Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Four candidates vying to lead Canada’s Liberal Party debated who is best suited to counter President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Mark Carney touted his financial crisis experience, while Chrystia Freeland promised tough retaliatory tariffs. With Trump’s 25% Canadian import tariffs set for March 4, the candidates urged strong economic defenses and cross-border strategies.
Trump Tariffs Debate Quick Looks
- Four candidates: Carney, Freeland, Gould, and Baylis clashed over how to respond to Trump’s tariffs.
- Trump’s plan: 25% tariffs on Canadian imports start March 4; 10% levy on Canadian energy.
- Mark Carney: Proposes targeted dollar-for-dollar tariffs with minimal Canadian economic impact.
- Chrystia Freeland: Vows to hit back with tariffs on Florida orange juice, Wisconsin dairy, and Tesla vehicles.
- Karina Gould: Advocates a “Team Canada” strategy to engage U.S. business leaders and citizens.
- Frank Baylis: Proposes joint strategy with Mexico to counter U.S. trade pressure.
- Trump remarks: Suggested Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, angering candidates.
- Liberal leadership vote: Set for March 9; next leader faces immediate no-confidence vote.
Liberal Party Candidates in Canada Debate Best Strategy to Counter Trump
Deep Look
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Canada’s Liberal Party leadership hopefuls faced off Tuesday night in a heated debate focused on U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies, specifically his plan to impose steep tariffs on Canadian imports.
Trump’s Tariff Plan Sparks Urgency
Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, with a 10% tax on energy products, are set to begin March 4. He claims the move is necessary to correct trade imbalances, but Canadian leaders see it as a direct threat to their economy.
Adding insult, Trump recently suggested that Canada should become America’s 51st state, a remark that infuriated Liberal candidates.
Candidates’ Plans to Confront Trump
Mark Carney: Experience Over Emotion
- Front-runner Carney cited his time as Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor.
- Promises to unite Canadian premiers for a targeted dollar-for-dollar tariff response.
“We cannot change Trump, but we can control our economic destiny,” Carney said.
Chrystia Freeland: Tariff Retaliation and Tough Talk
- Led Canada’s U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) negotiations during Trump’s first term.
- Would target:
- Florida orange juice
- Wisconsin dairy products
- Tesla vehicles (with a proposed 100% import tariff)
“Canada is not for sale. If he hits us, we’ll hit back,” Freeland declared.
Karina Gould: Grassroots U.S. Outreach
- Pledges a “Team Canada” approach, reaching out to U.S. business leaders and citizens.
- Urges Canadians to boycott Florida travel and products.
“American citizens will feel these tariffs—we need to let them know it’s not Canada’s choice,” Gould explained.
Frank Baylis: Aligning with Mexico
- Wants a joint strategy with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
- Plans “intelligent counter-tariffs” to safeguard Canadian jobs.
“We won’t let him take our jobs,” Baylis asserted.
Political Stakes: Leadership Race & Looming Confidence Vote
- Chrystia Freeland’s resignation in December prompted Trudeau’s exit announcement.
- Liberals pick new leader on March 9; the winner faces:
- A possible no-confidence vote on March 24
- High-stakes Canada-U.S. economic tensions
“This leadership race isn’t just about the party—it’s about standing up for Canada,” Carney said.
Other Debate Highlights
- Topics included:
- Improving Canada’s health care system
- Addressing affordability challenges
- Bolstering national defense
- A French-language debate took place Monday in Montreal.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.