Canada’s top contenders to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clashed in a heated debate Monday, focusing on how to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic threats. With the election set for October 20, the race has tightened as Trump warns of tariffs on all Canadian imports.
Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister and key negotiator of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade deal, called Trump “the biggest threat to Canada since World War Two.” She claimed his latest threats go beyond tariffs, alleging he wants to make Canada the 51st U.S. state. Given that 75% of Canada’s exports go to the U.S., prolonged tariffs could trigger a severe recession.
Leading contender Mark Carney, an ex-central banker, dismissed Trump’s threats, insisting Canada would never become part of the U.S. “At this moment, Canada is facing the worst crisis of our lives … I know how to handle crises,” he said, referencing his leadership during the 2008 financial meltdown and Brexit. Both Carney and Freeland advocate for strong retaliation against U.S. tariffs.
Freeland’s resignation in December after nine years in cabinet triggered a leadership crisis, eventually leading Trudeau to announce his departure. The new Liberal leader will be chosen on March 9.
The opposition Conservatives, still favored in polls, argue there’s no real difference between Trudeau and the two frontrunners, branding Carney “Sneaky Carney” in a campaign release.
Other candidates include former cabinet minister Karina Gould and ex-Liberal legislator Frank Baylis. The four will face off again in an English-language debate Tuesday, as Canada’s political landscape remains uncertain.