Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is demanding immediate retaliation from the federal government after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep new tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Poilievre called the 50% tariffs an “unjust act” and a betrayal of the long-standing relationship between Canada and the United States.
In response, he urged the Liberal government to impose equivalent 50% tariffs on all American steel and aluminum imports.
“Our message to the U.S. administration must be clear: do not mistake our kindness for weakness,” Poilievre said in a statement.
“We are a strong, proud, and sovereign country, and we will fight back against these attacks on our economy and our workers.”
The Conservative leader warned that if Trump follows through on threats of additional tariffs, Canada should respond in kind.
“We will not falter in defence of our country, and these attacks will only harden our resolve,” he said.
Beyond retaliatory measures, Poilievre called for stronger action against China’s illegal dumping and unfair trade practices in the steel and aluminum industries.
He also criticized former Bank of Canada governor — and prime minister-delegate — Mark Carney’s proposed carbon tax on heavy industry, arguing that it, combined with U.S. tariffs, would be devastating for Canadian manufacturers.
“Only Canada First Conservatives will axe the taxes, green-light pipelines made with Canadian steel, and bring home production and paycheques,” he said, accusing the Liberal government of blocking industrial projects and making Canada overly reliant on the U.S. market.
Poilievre concluded by stating that only a Conservative government would put Canada’s economic interests first, vowing to stand up for workers and industry against harmful trade and tax policies.