TRANSCRIPT
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called an election for April 28 as the country debates how to respond to US President Donald Trump.
Mr Carney has been in the job for just over a week, after replacing his predecessor Justin Trudeau as leader of the governing centre-left Liberal Party.
Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre had been leading the polls, but Mr Carney's ascension has now put the Liberals slightly ahead.
Mr Carney says he needs a strong mandate to counter tariffs and other threats from the U-S.
“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump's unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty. Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada. President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
President Trump has taken to calling Canada the 51st state, and levelled incendiary tariffs that sparked a trade war.
As the former governor of two central banks, Mr Carney is framing himself as the best person to tackle this economic fallout, despite his lack experience in political office.
“I'm asking Canadians for a strong positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone, because I know we need change. Big change, positive change."
Pitching to voters today, Mr Carney touted middle-class tax cuts he said would help Canadians get ahead, pointing to generational inequity as a pressing problem.
He urged Canadians to come together and support those who will be hardest hit by US tariffs.
Mr Carney's challenger from the Canada Conservative Party, Pierre Polievre, has been quick to hit the hustings too.
“Is it time to put Canada first for a change with a new conservative government that will axe taxes, honor hard work, build homes, cut taxes, lock up criminals, secure our borders, unleash resources to bring home our jobs, and stand up to Donald Trump from a position of strength.”
A very different agenda, but the two leaders agree on one thing -- the need to push back against Donald Trump.
“I know a lot of people are worried, angry and anxious. And with good reason. As a result of the president's unacceptable threats against our country. You worry about your job and the sovereignty of our nation, and you're angry at the feeling of betrayal that these unacceptable words and tariffs have made us all experience. I share your anger and I share the worry for our future.”
There is a noticeable difference in the tone of the two leaders' approach.
Mr Polievre says he would be "respectful and firm" with Donald Trump, while Mr Carney has sought to tie his opponent to president as public sentiment turns decisively against the U-S.
Yesterday, he observed that the premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, had drawn this connection too.
“I take note of her alignment of Monsieur Poilievre with Mr Trump and would note that that's the one of the decisions that Canadians will have to make. Whether they want a government that is unifying – that’s standing up for Canada – and is taking focused action to build a better economy. Or they want division and Americanism and that's what Monsieur Poilievre seems to be offering and just endorsed by the Premier of Alberta.”
Whichever decision Canadians make, the next Prime Minister will have to contend with serious economic headwinds, given Canada's deep integration with the U-S economy.
The United States has already slapped 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium, as part of a global policy -- but for Canada, the stakes are especially high.
Government data shows the country's exported $92 billion in metals and minerals to the US in 2023.
Together, steel, iron and aluminium accounted for 42 per cent of that.
This month, Donald Trump also came within hours of doubling the metals tariffs to 50 per cent, before backing down.
Canada has responded with reciprocal tariffs, and challenged the US at the World Trade Organisation.
This comes as the US prepares to impose further reciprocal tariffs from April 2 - less than one month before the election.
The leader of Bloc Québécois -- which holds the third largest number of seats - says he's glad the date has been set.
And like other leaders, his focus is clear.
“There is a serious element in this electoral campaign: the American president."
Yves Francois Blanchet says the escalating trade war triggered by Donald Trump has Canadians living in fear for their jobs.
"[He's] adopting policies and multiplies threats which are literally leading to fear, and he seems to rejoice from this, he seems to be playing with people’s fear."
