Ottawa: Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has stated that there is currently no need for a general election in Canada, emphasizing that the country must instead focus on renegotiating trade agreements with the United States. Speaking in an interview with Peter Mansbridge on ‘The Bridge’ podcast, Poilievre clarified his stance, noting that holding an election before the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review is completed this year would not be beneficial for the nation.
Poilievre urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to form an all-party committee to discuss matters related to the trade deal. He argued that Canada should seek a full exemption from U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Buy American” policies and insisted that Canada must stand united against potential trade tariffs. While he noted he does not oppose diplomatic talks with China, he warned that any moves jeopardizing the relationship with the U.S.—which buys the majority of Canadian exports—would be dangerous.
The Conservative leader also criticized the Carney government’s decision to allow Chinese electric vehicles into Canada. Despite their political disagreements, Poilievre revealed that he maintains personal respect for Prime Minister Mark Carney and praised the Prime Minister’s handling of the recent shooting incident in British Columbia. He further stated that he has no immediate plans to visit Washington as Leader of the Opposition, citing the principle of “one Prime Minister at a time” and allowing the current government the space to conduct foreign negotiations. However, he is scheduled to visit the UK and Germany next week.
