Poilievre tells U.S. audience Canadians are feeling 'wounded' from U.S. trade actions

OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was in New York City on Thursday, urging Americans to return to two-way tariff-free trade between Canada and the U.S.

“Let’s knock down those tariffs and focus on building a stronger North America for our two separate countries,” said Poilievre, during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box.

Poilievre is visiting the U.S. to promote free trade and participate in ceremonies commemorating the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The leader of the opposition was also asked about Canadians’ feelings towards the U.S.

“Look, I think we feel a little bit wounded,” said Poilievre. “We’re kind of confused as to how it is suddenly that Canada ended up in the crosshairs.”

The Conservative leader urged the U.S. administration and Congress to knock down tariffs, adding that the trade war between Canada and the U.S. should have been “over yesterday.”

When asked whether trust can be restored between the two countries, Poilievre said it would start with the removal of tariffs.

“Because as soon as that happens, then I think we can work together,” said Poilievre. “At the same time, Canada is beginning to diversify, further diversify its trade to overseas markets, and that is going to be necessary now, regardless of what the administration does.”

The trade conflict between the U.S. and Canada has intensified in recent weeks, following the collapse in trade negotiations between both sides last month. U.S. President Donald Trump then imposed a 50 per-cent tariff on nearly $28 billion of Canadian goods, with Canada matching those tariffs, imposing levies ranging from 15 to 50 per cent on $27.6 billion worth of U.S. imports this week.

On Tuesday, Trump announced he would impose import bans on some Canadian alcohol products, dairy products and motorcycles. Economists have said the impact from the bans will be minimal on the Canadian economy.

Trump has also taken issue with the loonie’s exchange rate with the U.S. dollar and has threatened to ban aircraft maker Bombardier from selling in the U.S. The president also intends to impose a 50 per-cent tariff on Canadian autos and trucks on Jan. 1.

On Thursday, Carney was asked why he thinks Trump is so angry with Canada.

“I can’t look deeply into the souls of other people and see their emotions,” said Carney, during a press conference in Calgary, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “This isn’t a question of emotion, it’s a question of sovereignty.”

Carney said he had spoken with the president in recent days about the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. He also reiterated that Canada stands ready to strike a “fair” trade deal with the Americans.

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