Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, is communicating to Americans that Canadians are feeling “hurt” and “bewildered” regarding the focus placed on Canada and its economy by U.S. President Donald Trump.
“We feel a bit hurt,” Poilievre stated to reporters on the U.S. network CNBC during his visit to New York on Thursday, where he is promoting a return to standard trade relations.
“We’re somewhat puzzled about how Canada suddenly found itself in the line of fire.”
The Conservative leader emphasized that Canada and the United States share a deeply intertwined economic bond that has fostered peace and prosperity for many years, advocating for trade without tariffs as the path forward.
“Both nations will have their complaints,” he remarked. “The U.S. has implemented buy-America policies that hindered our access to subnational procurement markets and imposed tariffs on our softwood lumber… However, the essential point is: let’s come together and resolve these issues for the benefit of our citizens.”
In his remarks, Poilievre indicated that his trip to New York aims to oppose tariffs and advocate for employment on both sides of the border.
He mentioned that he plans to engage with investors and business executives, but his primary focus is on the American populace, making the case that “both our nations can be safer, wealthier, and more affordable through free trade.”
Additionally, Poilievre stated he would remain in New York to observe the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, honoring the victims and emphasizing “the solidarity between Canadians and Americans following the terrorist attacks.”
‘Politics ends at the border’: Poilievre
This national unity was evident during Poilievre’s CNBC interview, where he declined to comment on whether he believed Prime Minister Mark Carney was negotiating in good faith during the recent trade talks.
“I will not criticize my prime minister on foreign soil. That is not my intention,” he asserted. “My goal here is to advocate for my country, not to gain political advantage back home. Politics stops at the border.”
Poilievre pointed out that Canada should capitalize on “the greatest asset Canada possesses in the U.S., which is our friendship with the American people who largely admire Canada.”
Co-host Joe Kernen expressed his admiration for Poilievre’s decision to refrain from criticizing Carney while overseas, noting that opposition politicians in the U.S. do not often uphold that principle.
“You truly have a bit of class,” Kernen remarked.
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When Kernen questioned Poilievre about Canada’s economic performance in the past ten years, the Conservative leader refrained from criticizing the nation, stating that Canada has experienced “numerous successful public policy outcomes by various levels of government.”
Looking ahead, Poilievre noted that challenges and threats to the U.S. are “gradually increasing” and suggested that instead of facing them alone, the U.S. should work to restore the Western alliance that triumphed in the Cold War rather than clash with allies.
“The United States would benefit more by collaborating with nations that endorse free speech, free markets, free trade, and freedom for individuals,” he explained.
“We could create an impressive North American fortress utilizing the resources we possess on this continent, but achieving this will require a cooperative relationship.”