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Poilievre Criticizes Carney Over Handling of US-China Trade Dispute

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre stated that Mark Carney has fallen short in defending Canadian interests on the global stage due to ineffective handling of trade disputes with the United States and China. Poilievre made these comments during his first news conference since winning a by-election in Alberta, which will allow him to return to the House of Commons as a member of Parliament.

Poilievre expressed concern that the Liberal government has made concessions to U.S. President Donald Trump without securing any significant benefits in return. He also highlighted that China has imposed damaging tariffs on Canadian products, citing the example of 100-per-cent tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal. These tariffs have had a significant impact on Canadian farmers, with an industry that employs about 200,000 people and contributes more than $43-billion to the economy.

Poilievre promised that, as Prime Minister, he would operate from a position of strength and pass a proposed Conservative sovereignty act to repeal some Liberal energy laws and expedite projects like pipelines and mine development. He also emphasized the need to work with any party to end tariffs and secure a fair deal for Canada.

Key Takeaways:

  • Poilievre criticizes Mark Carney for failing to defend Canadian interests on the global stage, particularly in handling the US-China trade dispute.
  • The Liberal government has made concessions to U.S. President Donald Trump without securing benefits, with tariffs increasing despite backing off on countertariffs and scrapping a planned digital-services tax.
  • China has imposed damaging tariffs on Canadian products, including 100-per-cent tariffs on Canadian canola oil and meal, impacting an industry that employs 200,000 people and contributes $43-billion to the economy.
  • Poilievre promises to operate from a position of strength, passing a proposed Conservative sovereignty act and working with any party to remove tariffs and secure a fair deal for Canada.
  • Ontario Premier Doug Ford urges Poilievre to work with the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of Team Canada.
  • B.C. Premier David Eby, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and other officials call for the federal government to declare the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization.

Statistics:

  • 200,000 people employed in the canola industry
  • $43-billion contributed to the economy by the canola industry
  • 100-per-cent tariffs imposed by China on Canadian canola oil and meal
  • 2018 free-trade agreement between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico
  • U.S. average tariff rate on Canadian goods remains one of its lowest among trading partners

Sources:

  • [1] "Byelection winner Pierre Poilievre rips into Mark Carney's handling of US-China trade dispute", by Ian Bailey, Ottawa Citizen, July 26, 2023.
  • [2] "Ontario Premier Doug Ford urges Pierre Poilievre to work with PM on trade", by Ian Bailey, Ottawa Citizen, July 24, 2023.
  • [3] "B.C. and Alberta premiers call for federal government to declare Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization", by Simon Furger, Globe and Mail, July 18, 2023.

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