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Canadian Leaders Discuss Policy Priorities Amid U.S. Dynamics
In the French-language election debate held Wednesday evening, the principal federal party leaders engaged in discussions about their policy agendas, specifically highlighting aspects detached from the United States. However, the focus quickly shifted to a more pressing matter: the influence of U.S. President Donald Trump and how the leaders intended to navigate relations with him.
The debate commenced with exchanges regarding the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, as party leaders sought to position themselves as the most competent negotiators capable of confronting Trump effectively.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asserted that, if elected, he would immediately initiate negotiations with Trump to eliminate tariffs. “We can’t control Trump. So at the same time, we need to control what we can,” Poilievre stated, emphasizing the need to reverse what he termed the Liberal government’s detrimental economic policies. He advocated for harnessing natural resources and implementing tax cuts to strengthen Canada’s negotiating power.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney countered, stressing the importance of preparation for potential adverse scenarios. He underscored the necessity of fostering a robust economy, saying, “It’s those elements that will work with Trump. He respects strength, he respects people who know how the world and the private sector works.” Carney also promised to expand Canada’s international trade partnerships, envisioning a more diversified economic landscape.
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet shared his perspective, recommending that Canada align itself with other nations facing similar challenges from U.S. tariffs and advocating for rational negotiations. “Trump will hang himself with his own cord because his measures are extremely toxic to the U.S. economy,” Blanchet predicted. “In the meantime, he will also create damage everywhere.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh emphasized prioritizing national interests over cuts, arguing for investments in key sectors such as agriculture, culture, and healthcare. “A profound value for us is taking care of each other. How we do that is reinforcing our health-care system, not Americanizing it,” Singh remarked.
Additional questions during the debate prompted leaders to discuss their personal consumption of U.S. products. In a light-hearted moment, leaders took the opportunity to critique Carney, who had previously stated that he does not manage his own grocery shopping. Poilievre joked about his purchases while reaffirming his commitment to buying Canadian-made products. Singh shared his own grocery habits, expressing a preference for Canadian fruits. Meanwhile, Carney mentioned reducing his consumption of American products, including wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Throughout the evening, the candidates highlighted their distinct approaches to fundamental issues. Carney reiterated commitments to increase housing construction, while Poilievre articulated a plan to reduce income taxes. Blanchet advocated for Quebec’s right to self-manage its economic resources, and Singh focused on health care initiatives previously proposed by the NDP.
The debate was structured around five central themes: cost of living, energy and climate, the trade war, identity and sovereignty, and immigration and foreign affairs. Notably, the Green Party was excluded from this debate due to not fielding candidates in a sufficient number of ridings.
As the campaign progresses, the discourse surrounding U.S.-Canada relations and domestic policy priorities continues to shape the narrative within Canadian politics.
Source
globalnews.ca