Overview

• Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservative Party, firmly rejected President Trump's suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state during a rally in Ottawa on Saturday.
• Poilievre criticized Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, pledging to implement retaliatory tariffs if the U.S. moves forward with the plan.
• The Conservative leader warned that such tariffs would harm both economies, raise consumer costs, and weaken the U.S.–Canada alliance, potentially benefiting adversaries.
• Trump's repeated comments about annexing Canada have strained relations, with Poilievre emphasizing Canada's independence and willingness to seek alternative allies if necessary.
• Canada's next federal election, expected later this year, is likely to see Poilievre as the frontrunner to replace outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.