Trudeau demands Poilievre pick Canada or Alberta

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau challenged Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre about whether he stands with Team Canada or aligns with Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith amid growing tensions over Canada's response to President-elect Donald Trump's 25% tariff threat.

"Pierre Poilievre, who wants to be Prime Minister for all Canadians, has a choice to make," Trudeau said during a press conference in Windsor, Ontario.

Trudeau suggested the Poilievre must either support the coalition of premiers and the federal government or side with Smith, businessman Kevin O'Leary, and Trump.

Trudeau's challenge came after Smith became the only premier to reject a joint declaration following a first ministers meeting focused on creating a unified Canadian response to potential U.S. tariffs.

While acknowledging a premier's responsibility to represent provincial interests, Trudeau emphasized how every other premier chose national unity. 

"What happens to any part of us happens to all of us," said Trudeau.

Trudeau stressed the importance of a coordinated response to protect Canadian industries across all provinces and territories.

To illustrate the benefits of national solidarity, Trudeau pointed to the federal government's purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. 

"That was an investment that all Canadians made, that the Alberta government is making billions of dollars off of," said Trudeau, describing it as evidence of Canadian support for Alberta's economic interests.