Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, has conveyed to Americans that their Canadian neighbors are feeling “hurt” and “perplexed” about why Canada and its economy have become a focal point for U.S. President Donald Trump.
“There’s a sense of being a bit wounded,” Poilievre remarked to reporters during an interview with CNBC on Thursday while visiting New York, where he is promoting a return to standard trade relations.
“We’re somewhat perplexed about how Canada suddenly found itself in the line of fire,” he added.
The Conservative leader emphasized that Canada and the U.S. share a deeply intertwined economic relationship that has fostered peace and prosperity for many years, and he advocates for trade free of tariffs as the way forward.
“Each nation will have its issues,” he stated. “The U.S. has implemented buy-American policies that limited our access to subnational procurement markets and imposed tariffs on our softwood lumber. However, the key point is: let’s come together and resolve these issues for the benefit of our citizens.”
In his remarks, Poilievre noted that his trip to New York is aimed at opposing tariffs and advocating for employment on both sides of the border.
He mentioned he would be engaging with investors and business leaders, but his “primary audience is the American public,” to whom he is presenting the argument that “both nations can achieve greater safety, wealth, and affordability through free trade.”
Poilievre also indicated he would remain in New York to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday, to pay tribute to the victims and to emphasize “the solidarity shown by Canadians and Americans following the terrorist attacks.”
‘Politics ends at the border’: Poilievre
This national unity was evident during Poilievre’s CNBC interview when he declined to answer a question about whether he believed Prime Minister Mark Carney was negotiating in good faith during recent trade discussions.
“I won’t criticize my prime minister while on foreign soil. That’s just not something I will do,” he asserted. “My goal here is to advocate for my country, not to gain political advantage at home. Politics stops at the border.”
Poilievre emphasized that Canada should capitalize on its “greatest asset in the U.S., which is our bond with the American people who largely have a positive view of Canada.”
Co-host Joe Kernen expressed admiration for Poilievre’s decision to refrain from criticizing Carney while overseas, pointing out that such a standard is not commonly upheld by U.S. opposition politicians.
“You truly exhibit a degree of class,” Kernen remarked.
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When Kernen pressed Poilievre regarding Canada’s economic performance over the past decade, the Conservative leader sidestepped criticism of the nation, stating that Canada has experienced “numerous successes in public policy across various government levels.”
Looking ahead, Poilievre mentioned that challenges and threats to the U.S. are “gradually increasing,” and instead of facing them alone, the U.S. should work on reinforcing the Western alliance that triumphed in the Cold War rather than clashing with allies.
“I believe the United States would be more advantageous if it aligned with nations that advocate free speech, free markets, free trade, and free people,” he concluded.
“We could construct an extraordinary North American stronghold using the resources available on this continent, but it will require a collaborative effort to achieve it.”
