Poilievre Presses Carney: What Is Canada’s Leverage With Washington?
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is putting new pressure on Prime Minister Mark Carney over Canada’s trade talks with the United States, calling on him to tell Canadians clearly what bargaining power Ottawa has as it seeks relief from U.S. sectoral tariffs and a renewed trade deal.
Poilievre’s comments came after Carney rejected the idea of describing Canada’s energy and critical minerals as “leverage” in negotiations with Washington. Carney said he sees those sectors as future trade opportunities, either with the United States or with other partners, rather than as tools to be used as threats in talks.
For Poilievre, that answer is not enough. He argued that Canadians deserve to know what demands the federal government is making, which tariffs it wants removed, and whether Canada is prepared to use its economic strengths to secure a better outcome.
The debate comes as Canadian industries continue to face uncertainty from U.S. tariffs, particularly in sectors tied to steel, aluminum, copper, manufacturing, lumber and autos. Ottawa announced a new support package for tariff affected industries, including loan programs and regional assistance, but Conservatives say the real solution is not more debt for struggling companies. They argue that relief must come from reducing or eliminating the tariffs themselves.
Politically, Poilievre’s message is aimed at forcing Carney to define Canada’s negotiating strategy before the next phase of trade talks. Economically, the issue reaches far beyond Parliament Hill. Tariffs can affect jobs, investment, supply chains and prices for Canadian families and businesses.
The question now is whether the federal government can keep its negotiating cards private while still convincing Canadians that it has a strong plan to protect the country’s interests in Washington.
