Canada's new leader vows to counter Trump's trade tactics
"There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump," said Mark Carney, the new leader of Canada's Liberal Party, in his first speech. The future Prime Minister of Canada announced the ongoing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., significant investments, and new economic partnerships.
I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust, said Carney, who, after being chosen, takes over from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both as the leader of the Liberal Party and soon as Prime Minister. In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win. But this victory will not be easy. We are facing the most significant crisis of our lives, Carney said, commenting on the U.S. moves against Canada and the imposition of tariffs.
There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump. We can’t let him succeed and we won’t, Carney said, emphasizing that "when we’re united, we are Canada Strong." He described the government's current actions, such as the retaliatory tariffs, as appropriate and stressed that his government will maintain them "until the Americans show us respect." He described the current political situation as "the most significant crisis of our lives."
Trudeau's departure
Trudeau's departure from the position is dictated by what happened at the end of 2024. At that time, the Liberal Party's ratings and Trudeau's popularity were very low.
On January 6, 2025, Trudeau announced that he would resign from the position of party leader and simultaneously the head of the government after the election of a new leader of his group. At the same time, Governor General Mary Simon suspended parliamentary sessions until March 24 upon the Prime Minister's request.
Trudeau participated in talks with the U.S. regarding tariffs announced by Donald Trump, changes in policy, and increasing threats of annexing Canada.
"New trade routes"
The new Prime Minister of Canada stated that his government would take swift actions, pointing to housing construction, building a strong market position in the fuel sector, both traditional and clean energy sectors, and creating "new trade routes" and removing trade barriers in internal trade in Canada.
"Americans want our goods, water, land, country"
Carney said markets have no value, but people do. He added that the economy must benefit all Canadians and cannot lead to a situation like the one in the U.S., where "half of the United States fears the other and distrusts them." He added that all revenues from the retaliatory tariffs would be allocated to protecting Canadian jobs.
The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country, Carney said. At the same time, he criticized the ideas of Canadian conservatives, comparing them to Trump's ideas, and described their leader Pierre Poilievre as a "career politician who never worked for a salary." This is not leadership; it's ideology, he added.
In America, healthcare is a big business. In Canada, it’s a right. America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic. America does not recognize differences. It does not recognize the First Nations. And there will never be rights to the French language. The joy of living, culture, and the French language are part of our identity. We must protect this; we will never trade it for trade deals, he added.
"Canada will never join the USA"
Emphasizing that he is "above all a pragmatist," Carney announced that his government would immediately eliminate the so-called carbon tax, a pollution levy imposed on provinces without their own solutions. The fee, added to gasoline prices and paid out as periodic benefits to Canadians, is presented by conservatives as an additional tax and has harmed the Liberals. Carney also announced abandoning the unpopular increase in the tax on large capital gains.
Carney thanked his predecessor, emphasizing that Justin Trudeau knew how to "combine strength and compassion as a fighter for Canada."
The election night began with a speech by Trudeau, introduced by his daughter. Sixteen-year-old Ella-Grace emphasized that she is very proud of her father. My brothers and I have shared our dad with you for 12 years. Now we're taking him back, she added. In his farewell speech, Trudeau emphasized that he is proud of his government's achievements and that Canada is currently in a situation deciding its future existence. Canada will "fight in its defense when necessary," Trudeau said, pointing to threats to democracy and freedom.
The departing Prime Minister was thanked by Jean Chretien, who was the Prime Minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003. Chretien, who is 91 years old, emphasized that Canada can use tariffs to build infrastructure.
From one old guy to another old guy: stop this nonsense!, said Chretien, referring to Trump and ironically thanking him for uniting Canadians "like never before."
