Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is preparing to introduce a series of policy initiatives aimed at mitigating the uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration, as per a senior staff member. Poilievre will present these proposals during a speech to business executives at the Economic Club of Canada in Toronto, focusing on enhancing Canada-U.S. relations.
Katy Merrifield, Poilievre’s communications head, mentioned to CBC News that the speech will feature practical policy suggestions to bolster Canada’s position in an unstable global landscape. The proposed policies encompass an energy and critical mineral strategy, as well as a plan for a new tariff-free auto agreement with the U.S.
Furthermore, Poilievre will advocate for regulations mandating that companies repay government support if they relocate Canadian intellectual property abroad. He will also propose the establishment of a bipartisan working group before the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) this year.
Poilievre’s address coincides with the Conservative Party facing challenges in recent polls. A survey by the Angus Reid Institute revealed the Liberals leading the Conservatives by 13 percentage points in voter intention. Shachi Kurl, the Institute’s president, highlighted Poilievre’s struggle to resonate with Canadians regarding the approach towards the Trump administration.
Despite securing overwhelming support to continue as leader following the party’s annual convention, Poilievre faces scrutiny for not taking a more confrontational stance against Trump. In his convention speech, he pledged to address the tariffs imposed on Canadian products by the U.S. president.
Overall, Poilievre aims to address the current political landscape and strengthen Canada’s position amidst evolving international dynamics.