The British Columbian city of Vancouver In a discussion Tuesday evening, the four contenders for the position of next leader of Canada’s Liberal party argued why they are the most qualified to handle US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s tariff threats are a challenge to Canada’s sovereignty, according to former central banker Mark Carney, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, former government House leader Karina Gould, and former Member of Parliament Frank Baylis from the Montreal area.
Carney, who is regarded as the leading candidate to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, claimed he had an advantage because of his background handling financial crises as the previous governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
According to him, it’s critical to identify what you can and cannot control during a crisis. Although we have no authority over Donald Trump, we do have power over our economic future.
Carney promised to bring the premiers of Canada together and retaliate with dollar-for-dollar tariffs on the United States that would barely affect Canada.
During Trump’s first term, Freeland claimed to have been a member of the Canadian team that negotiated the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
She stated, “I have the experience, the strategy, and the courage to confront Trump and tell him that Canada is not for sale.” We will retaliate if he strikes us.
In addition, Freeland supports retaliatory tariffs. She would impose a 100% tariff on Tesla automobiles entering Canada and target the Wisconsin dairy industry and Florida orange juice.
Trump announced Monday that his executive order, which would impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports with a 10% energy levy, would take effect on March 4.
Trump’s claim that Canada ought to become the 51st state has also enraged Canadians.
A businessman from Montreal named Baylis said he would meet with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to come up with a coordinated plan to cope with Trump.
He declared, “We will not allow him to take away our jobs, and we will be implementing very smart counter tariffs.”
Gould stated that she will lead a Team Canada initiative in the United States to reach out to both citizens and corporate executives.
The impact of these tariffs will be felt by American citizens, and we must inform them that this is not Canada’s decision, she said.
Canadians should refrain from visiting Florida and from purchasing Florida orange juice, according to Gould.
After Freeland abruptly resigned in December, Trudeau announced on January 6 that he was leaving his position as prime minister and head of the party. On March 9, the Liberals elected a new leader.
It is possible that the next Liberal leader will have the shortest tenure of any prime minister in the history of the nation. When parliament reconvenes on March 24, all three opposition parties have pledged to overthrow the Liberals’ minority administration in a no-confidence vote.
A fifth Liberal candidate for leadership was eliminated from the contest. According to the party, Ruby Dhalla, a former MP, was dismissed for breaking several rules.
The contenders also talked about issues like affordability, strengthening Canada’s military, and enhancing the country’s health care system throughout the discussion.
The Associated Press
