Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre speaks at a press conference in Ottawa on December 16, 2024. REUTERS
Pierre Poilievre kicked off his first election campaign as Conservative leader, promising to take a strong yet respectful approach when dealing with Donald Trump. Speaking in Gatineau, Quebec, just before the election was officially announced, he criticized the Liberals for weakening Canada over the past decade.
Poilievre vowed to push Trump to respect Canada’s sovereignty and stop imposing tariffs. New U.S. tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, right in the middle of the election campaign. He blamed the Liberals for losing jobs, discouraging investment, and failing to protect Canada’s military and borders.
“All of that plays into the hands of President Trump,” Poilievre said. “He wants a weak Canada he can target, and the Liberals have made it easier for him.”
Despite his efforts to distance himself from Trump, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made headlines with comments that tied him closer to the former U.S. president. She said in an interview that she had asked Trump’s administration to delay tariffs until after the election, believing they were helping the Liberals in the polls.
Asked about her remarks, Poilievre sidestepped the issue, instead pointing to Trump’s recent statement that dealing with a Liberal government would be easier for the U.S.
The Conservatives had a strong lead in the polls, but support has slipped in recent weeks as Trump’s trade war became a major concern for voters. In response, Poilievre adjusted his message, shifting from his earlier claim that "Canada is broken" to a more hopeful vision of restoring the country’s potential.
He outlined plans to cut taxes, make life more affordable, and fight crime. He also repeated his pledge to eliminate the carbon tax and boost natural resource projects.
“With change, there’s hope,” Poilievre said. “To the single mom struggling to feed her kids: hope is on the way. To the 35-year-old still living in his mom’s basement, dreaming of a home and family: change is on the way.”
After the news conference, Poilievre officially launched his campaign in his home riding of Carleton, where he has been an MP since 2004. He was joined by his wife, Anaida, and their two children, Valentina and Cruz. Around 200 supporters, staff, and volunteers cheered as he stepped off his campaign bus.
Among those present was Barbara Bal, the Conservative candidate in Nepean, who will face off against Liberal leader Mark Carney. Bal declined interviews but told a supporter she wasn’t intimidated by the challenge.
Jane Castellano, a longtime Conservative supporter, expressed frustration that the Liberals were now adopting Conservative policies. “They’re copying him—he’s been talking about these issues for years,” she said.
Michael Milsom, a farmer in Poilievre’s riding, attended his first political event, hoping for a change in leadership. However, he admitted he wasn’t as confident about Poilievre’s victory as he was six weeks ago.
Poilievre ended the day with a rally in Toronto, where he energized supporters with promises of lower costs, safer communities, and a stronger economy. He criticized Carney as Trudeau’s hand-picked replacement, saying the Liberals were offering the same failed policies.
Calling Canada a “great nation,” Poilievre pledged to unite the country with shared values and ambitions. “We will be a nation that builds homes, makes goods, trades with Canadians, and honors its history,” he said.
