“As you can see, everybody’s in good spirits. We’ve got a lot of Canadian patriots here, and we ultimately, we need to fight for tariff-free trade,” Poilievre said.
Canada’s new counter-tariffs are set to start tomorrow as a reaction to the recent 50 per cent U. S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Ottawa claims its measures will match the U. S. tariffs dollar-for-dollar, affecting $27.6 billion worth of American products.
The federal government’s list features items from sectors like steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural machinery, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has admitted that some of Canada’s retaliatory actions will lead to higher costs and less choice for Canadians but insists that retaliation is essential after rejecting what he described as an unfavorable trade deal with Washington.
Poilievre reiterated his stance during a press conference on Monday, stating that he wants the government to share more details about those possible costs with Canadians.
“I think it’s time that Mr. Carney tells Canadians what the counter-tariffs will cost them,” Poilievre said.
He specifically pointed out food, appliances and home construction as areas where he believes prices might go up for Canadians.
Poilievre urged the federal government to release documents showing its analysis of these counter-measures and their potential economic effects.
“We want the Prime Minister to publish all the documents that show the cost linked to these policies,” he said in French Sunday.
Poilievre mentioned that his ideal outcome would still be to eliminate tariffs on both sides of the border.
“We want that we fight, that we use our leverage to fight to put an end to tariffs on both sides of the border, to reduce the cost of living and protect Canadian jobs,” he said in French.
Trump has warned that the U. S. will respond against any Canadian counter-measures related to his tariffs.
During Monday’s press conference, Poilievre emphasized that getting a trade deal should take precedence over retaliation.
“Our goal is to fight for tariff free trade,” he said. “We think that should be the mission here. Tariff-free trade is good for Americans and Canadians.”
The political conversation on Sunday took place in a very different setting compared to Parliament Hill.
Poilievre showed up at the Rider tailgate dressed in green while fans gathered around him for handshakes and photos.
“It’s amazing to be here on the Prairies to support the Riders and be part of Rider Nation,” Poilievre said. “It’s a great Canadian tradition every Labour Day long weekend.”
Jackson Milton-Owens was one fan at the tailgate who didn’t know beforehand that Poilievre would make an appearance.
“We had no idea when we pulled up,” Milton-Owens said.
A few local MPs informed their group about Poilievre’s arrival which added even more excitement before kickoff festivities began.
Jaxon Runge also got lucky enough to meet the Conservative leader during this visit.
“It’s really super awesome that he’s here,” Runge stated. “And I gotto shake his hand, and I love it.”
Poiilevre highlighted his family’s connections with Saskatchewan throughout his visit.
“My mother and my father are from Saskatchewan so I always love being here; it feels like I’m coming home in a certain sense even though I’m from Calgary,” he shared.
– with files from Gillian Massie , 980 CJME
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