Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has firmly stated that China cannot replace the United States as Canada's primary trade partner, advocating instead for a reinforced bilateral relationship with the southern neighbor. During a speech at the Economic Club of Canada in Toronto, Poilievre outlined a comprehensive path forward for Canada-U.S. relations, stressing that "Canada's prosperity and security are inseparable from a stable relationship with the United States."
Rejecting China as a Strategic Alternative
Poilievre criticized the idea of pivoting toward Beijing, calling it a regime that Prime Minister Mark Carney previously identified as the biggest threat to Canada. He argued against declaring a "permanent rupture" from the U.S. in favor of a partnership with China, emphasizing that such a move would jeopardize national interests. "We should not declare a permanent rupture from our biggest customer and closest neighbour in favour of a strategic partnership for a new world order with Beijing," he said.
Proposed Economic and Trade Initiatives
In his address, Poilievre introduced several new policy ideas aimed at bolstering Canada's economic stance:
- A strategic energy and mineral reserve to enhance resource security.
- An all-party working group to prepare for the upcoming Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review.
- A proposed tariff-free auto pact with the United States to boost automotive trade.
- New tax rules requiring Canadian industries to repay subsidies if intellectual property is moved abroad.
He also called for faster defense procurement and reasserting sovereignty in the Arctic, alongside six-month approval times for major projects to streamline development.
Addressing U.S. Uncertainty and Domestic Challenges
Poilievre acknowledged that U.S. President Donald Trump's trade actions have upset Canadians but urged focus on domestic results rather than outrage. "The most effective response to uncertainty is not outrage," he stated. "It is results." He highlighted that Canada's export issues stem from internal government barriers, not foreign market restrictions, criticizing "meaningless communiques and more stagecraft masquerading as statecraft."
Political Context and Public Opinion
This speech comes amid a challenging political landscape for the Conservatives, with a recent Angus Reid poll showing the Liberals leading by 12 points. The same poll revealed that Canadian views of the U.S. have hit a new low, with only 21 percent holding a favorable opinion. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney is focusing on global trade diversification through trips to India, Australia, and Japan, with plans for a free trade deal with India.
Poilievre's remarks underscore a clear divergence in trade strategies, positioning U.S. relations as central to Canada's economic future while pushing for pragmatic reforms to overcome domestic export hurdles.
