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Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre Clash Over U.S. Tariffs and Leadership in Canadian Election Debate

As the April 28 election approaches, the Liberal Party holds an eight-point lead following a French-language debate dominated by Trump’s trade threats and immigration policy.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre (left) and Liberal Leader Mark Carney participate in the English-language federal leaders’ debate in Montreal, Canada, on Thursday. (REUTERS)
This composite image shows, left to right, Liberal Leader Mark Carney on March 21, 2025; Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on March 4, 2025; NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on Jan. 22, 2025; Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet on March 5, 2025.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney makes an announcement during his Liberal Party election campaign tour at Nova Bus, in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada April 15, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio

Overview

  • Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre debated how best to handle U.S. tariffs and President Trump’s annexation threats during the French-language debate on April 16.
  • Carney emphasized his economic expertise and distanced himself from Justin Trudeau’s legacy, stating, 'I’m not Justin Trudeau,' while Poilievre called for change after a decade of Liberal governance.
  • Both leaders agreed on maintaining temporary immigration caps, with Carney advocating for a 'couple of years' and Poilievre proposing lower intake levels tied to housing and job availability.
  • Polls indicate a significant shift in public opinion, with the Liberals now leading the Conservatives by eight points, a reversal from the Conservatives’ strong lead earlier this year.
  • Attention now shifts to the English-language debate on April 17, where leaders will address affordability, energy, and Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies.