Abacus Data Director Kate Harrison has slapped down the host of CBC's Power and Politics, David Cochrane, in a discussion about Canada-U.S. trade relations.
Backdrop for the conversation is President Donald Trump potentially imposing tariffs on Canadian goods in the coming weeks and alleged planning failures by now resigned Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Harrison said it's Trudeau's responsibility to table a plan over the potential crisis. Trudeau has been criticized for alienating Trump in various ways, including expressing disappointment that a woman didn't win the U.S. election.
"My God, if we're talking about political ambitions, we should be talking about Justin Trudeau, not talking about Pierre Poilievre," said Harrison.
"It is not incumbent on the leader of the opposition to table what Canada's plan for tariffs and a retaliatory response should be. That is the duty of the prime minister of Canada."
Harrison said Trudeau left his leadership role because he couldn't see past his own ego and "he has forced Canada into inward naval gazing, political drama, as opposed to actually coming up with a plan."
She added, "I think the issue right now David is not what Pierre Poilievre thinks about retaliatory tariffs. There is no clear negotiator for Canada right now, and that is the fault of the prime minister, not Pierre Poilievre."
The Canadian premiers met with Trudeau on January 15 to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and the threat of tariffs.
