Canada Election: Who Can Face Trump’s Tariffs and Threats?

The largest issue in Canada’s April 28 general elections is not taxes, inflation, or ideology. It’s Donald Trump. With the US President ramping up economic and territorial pressure on Canada, the election script has dramatically changed. The biggest issue now is — who will resist Trump?

The two front-running candidates, Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, are neck and neck, but recent opinion polls indicate that the Liberals are gaining ground. The debate during the week served to make it abundantly clear: Trump is the specter hanging over Canada’s democratic destiny and national identity.

First Leaders’ Debate

At the first Leaders’ Debate broadcast on television, Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative Pierre Poilievre clashed. The moderator, Patrice Roy, called Trump the “elephant in the room.” He wasn’t exaggerating. Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian exports and even hinted at annexing Canada as the 51st state. Carney stressed that the key question was not about domestic legacies: “Mr Poilievre is not Justin Trudeau. I’m not Justin Trudeau either. The question is who is going to face Mr Trump.”

Conservatives were ahead by 26 points in January. But since Trump’s belligerence, the situation has turned around. Liberals are now ahead by 8 points, at 45% support, according to a survey by Nanos Research. Election analysts forecast a potential 191-seat sweep for the Liberals, far more than the 172 required for a majority. Conservatives lag behind at 123 seats.

Candidates clash on economy and leadership

Pierre Poilievre accused the Liberals of weakening Canada’s economy over the past decade. He said their mismanagement made the country more vulnerable to US pressure. In response, Mark Carney distanced himself from Justin Trudeau. “One of the many differences between us is that I put more emphasis on the economy,” he said, promising a “relentless focus on growth.”

Carney’s global credentials under scrutiny

Mark Carney, a central banker in the past, quoted his experience as an asset. But Bloc Quebecois leader Blanchet criticized the assertion. He said Carney, lacked political grit to confront someone like Trump. “You might be familiar with tax havens,” Blanchet jokingly said, “but not Trump.” NDP’s Jagmeet Singh criticized both mainstream leaders as saying they would defend the rich at the expense of the public.

Housing, Immigration and Energy

Though Trump dominated the proceedings, other topics received airtime. Pierre Poilievre vowed to cut taxes and red tape to increase housing. “We don’t need more bureaucracy. We need more front doors,” he stated. On immigration and energy, the leaders concurred that Canada requires more oil production and a plan for integrating immigrants better.

Trump’s threats extend beyond the economic. His promise to annex Canada attacks Canadian sovereignty. This has brought voters of all stripes together who now view the election as a battle for the country’s identity. For many Canadians, this election is not merely about who will govern — it’s about who will protect the country itself.