In recent weeks, has Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, often described as beleaguered or struggling, been taking steps to answer his critics? On Feb. 26, at the Economic Club of Canada, he delivered what many called a powerful vision for Canada-U.S. relations if he were to become prime minister. Focusing on tariffs, the speech, filled with ideas, proposals, and creative collaboration, provided Poilievre with an opportunity to turn the page on criticisms of his leadership to date. The first step in his rehabilitation required a strong and policy-based alternative to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s vision. By correctly assessing the circumstances, Poilievre acknowledged that some aspects of the Canadian-American relationship are beyond our control. For instance, President Donald Trump’s withering insults of Canadian sovereignty cannot be silenced. In contrast, some matters fall within our control. Canada can take steps to reduce Trump’s influence over our economic destiny. In the speech, the Conservative leader outlined his approach.
Using a collaborative process, Poilievre suggested forming an all-party working group to review the CUSMA (Canada-U.S.-Mexico) trade agreement and provide recommendations. Reporting for the Canadian Press (CP), Sarah Ritchie wrote, (Acknowledging the need to work with the Liberals), Poilievre said it was a “constitutional and patriotic duty to scrutinize the government.” In addition to the proposal, while not naming the MPs he would assign to the committee, he promised to act in good faith and put the country before the party. “The most effective response to uncertainty is not outrage, it is results,” he said. While adopting a different tone, Poilievre remained committed to developing Canada’s resources as the key to securing our economic independence, safeguarding our future, and negotiating the best possible deal.
Breaking from Carney’s efforts to expand trade with China, Poilievre, Opposition Leader since 2022, instead suggested that Canada should negotiate a tariff-free agreement with the U.S., despite Trump’s insistence on tariffs regardless of the country. “By unblocking our resources and unleashing our economy, we can become affordable and autonomous and build the leverage to fight for tariff-free trade with the United States,” he said. Linking the purchase of U.S.-built military equipment as part of Canada’s increased defence spending to developing the resources America needs could bolster our economy. Poilievre further highlighted the lasting friendships, cooperative partnerships, and family ties that cross the border and greatly impact our two countries, noting that these connections could help move a CUSMA agreement forward. As an alternative to a deal involving Chinese EVs, Poilievre countered that Canada would benefit more from focusing on improving trade with the United States, since our geography and common political systems give us inherent advantages. As Richie also reported, “Poilievre proposed Thursday that Canada should instead negotiate an auto pact with the U.S. that agrees to ‘keep Chinese vehicles out’ of the Canadian market for tariff-free production in North America.” Conversely, the Conservative leader backed Carney’s efforts to negotiate a free-trade deal with India, despite security officials claiming India has carried out a campaign of intimidation and extortion of Canadian citizens.
Later that day, Poilievre did an interview with Peter Mansbridge, which was broadcast on March 2, 2026, on the former anchor’s podcast, The Bridge. Breaking his habit of avoiding mainstream reporters, Poilievre not only responded to all of Mansbridge’s questions but also addressed several issues he had previously sidestepped. This highlights his need to adapt, project a softer image, endorse a patriotic platform, and engage with all reporters. Proving his grasp of the key issues at hand, Poilievre rattled off important facts about Canada’s natural resources, stating, “…we represent the biggest share of airspace in the hemisphere. We have 10 of the 12 NATO-defined critical minerals that would be necessary if, God forbid, the world went back to war. We have the fourth biggest supply of energy, and we have the capacity to rebuild our military to the mutual prosperity of both of our countries.”
Poilievre asked himself how to leverage these resources to define our independence. Providing three answers, he teased out the details. First, he spoke about repealing anti-development laws and a strategic mineral and energy reserve that Americans could access in exchange for providing tariff-free trade across the border. Second, aligning himself with the prime minister’s already stated goals of increasing defence spending, the Opposition Leader proposed purchasing hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of these armaments from the United States, contingent on tariff-free access to American markets. Finally, Poilievre restated a long-held Conservative position that Carney has so far paid lip service to, but not much else. Using our vast oil reserves, we should exert pressure on Trump’s tariff policies. “By unblocking our way to the coasts, we give ourselves the ability to sell our oil and gas and other resources overseas, which gives us optionality so that the Americans are no longer our (captor), we’re no longer a captive supplier to the Americans. All those things will give us leverage, and I would use that leverage to negotiate my singular objective, which is that we have tariff-free access to the states, while remaining a sovereign economy and country.” In effect, Poilievre shows a readiness to cooperate with the Carney government while also questioning their assumption that Trump cannot be convinced to lift the tariffs, especially those affecting Canada.
With China, Poilievre proved nimbler than he has in past interviews. Rather than condemning Carney’s policy outright, he emphasized the magnificent history and culture of the Chinese people while taking issue with Carney’s strategy to use Chinese trade as a substitute for the United States. Wisely pointing to our geographic proximity to America and the historical trading relationship, he recalled Carney’s own words just a year ago, calling China our biggest threat. Common sense dictates that the country closest to and with whom you do 20 times more trade should hold a higher preference, regardless of how difficult the present circumstances are. Trump will leave office in 2029, and his successor, whether Republican or Democrat, will probably be less connected to tariffs. What then? Taking the long view seems prudent, rather than going all in with a nation as unpredictable as China.
Regarding the rest of the interview, the discussion covered speculation about a new election, Poilievre’s personal relationship with the prime minister, and adopting a more assertive stance when confronting Trump. Poilievre insisted that he and his caucus would work with the Liberal government where possible to pass legislation, improve life for Canadians, and support the nation’s interests in foreign affairs. He expressed admiration for the prime minister and mentioned they had a good personal rapport. As for Trump, Poilievre seemed ready to take him on, though he rejected the notion that he had somehow been soft on the president over the past two years. To access the complete recording of the interview featuring Poilievre, please refer to the following title: Pierre Poilievre – The Interview.
Dave Redekop is a retired elementary resource teacher who now works part-time at the St. Catharines Courthouse as a Registrar. He has worked on political campaigns since high school and attended university in South Carolina for five years, where he earned a Master’s in American History with a specialization in Civil Rights. Dave loves reading biographies.
