Conservatives Embracing 'Canada First' Strategy Ready for Battle with Trump
Pierre Poilievre utilized a Flag Day rally to adjust the focus of a campaign that had been derailed by tariff threats.
TroibNews 
OTTAWA — During a rally in Ottawa on Saturday, Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre sent a clear message to Donald Trump, stating, “Let me be clear: We will never be the 51st state.” He emphasized his commitment to defend Canadians against any threats from the U.S. president, asserting, "We will bear any burden and pay any price to protect the sovereignty and independence of our country."
Poilievre, who is seen as a frontrunner in Canada’s upcoming federal election, faces a changed landscape due to Trump's recent actions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement to step down following the Liberal Party's leadership selection next month.
Utilizing the Flag Day rally to refocus his campaign amid tariff threats, Poilievre aimed to address emerging concerns surrounding U.S.-Canada relations. Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, stemming from issues related to fentanyl and illegal migration, and extending to banking and trade deficits.
Referring to the Canadian spirit, Poilievre remarked, “We are slow to anger and quick to forgive. But never confuse our kindness for weakness.” He characterized Canadians as “mild-mannered and made of steel," highlighting resilience amidst challenges.
While initially centered on overturning Trudeau’s carbon policy, Poilievre's campaign has shifted focus to defending Canadian interests against the U.S. He presented his vision for Canada at the “Canada First” rally, strongly invoking national symbols and heritage. His promises included banning the defacement of national monuments, expanding the military, and revising the citizenship oath to include more patriotic language.
“Sometimes it does take a threat to remind us what we have, what we could lose and what we could become,” Poilievre noted, reflecting on a surge of national pride.
He outlined two choices for Trump: cooperate with Canada or risk losing it as an ally. In addressing Americans directly, he argued that their “energy-hungry future” is intertwined with Canada’s resources, adding that America's defense relies on Canada’s northern areas.
“Carry out the unprovoked attack on our economy and your consumers will pay more and your workers will make less,” Poilievre warned. “Gas prices will skyrocket. You will turn a loyal friend into a resentful neighbor, forced to match tariff with tariff and to seek friends elsewhere. Both our economies will weaken, leaving less money for defense and security and our enemies will grow stronger.”
Leaders from both federal and provincial levels have communicated similar messages to Washington, emphasizing that tariffs on Canadians will also negatively impact Americans. Trudeau has indicated a readiness to implement counter tariffs on C$155 billion in U.S. goods.
The rally also allowed Poilievre to distance himself from Trump amidst attacks from Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which released ads portraying him as an advocate of MAGA politics. These ads featured side-by-side clips of Poilievre and Trump, highlighting shared phrases like “everything is broken” and “fake news.”
Both leaders align on promoting small government, advocating for a free market, reducing regulatory burdens, cutting international aid, and boosting oil and gas production.
Poilievre presented a strategy aimed at making Canada more independent and less reliant on the U.S., leveraging the nation’s energy resources for economic growth. He committed to increased defense spending, diversifying trade, and expanding pipeline infrastructure.
“The option the Americans will choose is up to them. But let’s be honest, we have to be prepared for the worst,” he declared at the downtown convention center.
“Simply put, we can no longer depend on the Americans alone for our trade. We can no longer think of them as our backup defense. These threats, my friends, are a wakeup call.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Poilievre, who is seen as a frontrunner in Canada’s upcoming federal election, faces a changed landscape due to Trump's recent actions and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announcement to step down following the Liberal Party's leadership selection next month.
Utilizing the Flag Day rally to refocus his campaign amid tariff threats, Poilievre aimed to address emerging concerns surrounding U.S.-Canada relations. Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods, stemming from issues related to fentanyl and illegal migration, and extending to banking and trade deficits.
Referring to the Canadian spirit, Poilievre remarked, “We are slow to anger and quick to forgive. But never confuse our kindness for weakness.” He characterized Canadians as “mild-mannered and made of steel," highlighting resilience amidst challenges.
While initially centered on overturning Trudeau’s carbon policy, Poilievre's campaign has shifted focus to defending Canadian interests against the U.S. He presented his vision for Canada at the “Canada First” rally, strongly invoking national symbols and heritage. His promises included banning the defacement of national monuments, expanding the military, and revising the citizenship oath to include more patriotic language.
“Sometimes it does take a threat to remind us what we have, what we could lose and what we could become,” Poilievre noted, reflecting on a surge of national pride.
He outlined two choices for Trump: cooperate with Canada or risk losing it as an ally. In addressing Americans directly, he argued that their “energy-hungry future” is intertwined with Canada’s resources, adding that America's defense relies on Canada’s northern areas.
“Carry out the unprovoked attack on our economy and your consumers will pay more and your workers will make less,” Poilievre warned. “Gas prices will skyrocket. You will turn a loyal friend into a resentful neighbor, forced to match tariff with tariff and to seek friends elsewhere. Both our economies will weaken, leaving less money for defense and security and our enemies will grow stronger.”
Leaders from both federal and provincial levels have communicated similar messages to Washington, emphasizing that tariffs on Canadians will also negatively impact Americans. Trudeau has indicated a readiness to implement counter tariffs on C$155 billion in U.S. goods.
The rally also allowed Poilievre to distance himself from Trump amidst attacks from Trudeau’s Liberal Party, which released ads portraying him as an advocate of MAGA politics. These ads featured side-by-side clips of Poilievre and Trump, highlighting shared phrases like “everything is broken” and “fake news.”
Both leaders align on promoting small government, advocating for a free market, reducing regulatory burdens, cutting international aid, and boosting oil and gas production.
Poilievre presented a strategy aimed at making Canada more independent and less reliant on the U.S., leveraging the nation’s energy resources for economic growth. He committed to increased defense spending, diversifying trade, and expanding pipeline infrastructure.
“The option the Americans will choose is up to them. But let’s be honest, we have to be prepared for the worst,” he declared at the downtown convention center.
“Simply put, we can no longer depend on the Americans alone for our trade. We can no longer think of them as our backup defense. These threats, my friends, are a wakeup call.”
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
