Canada’s Conservative leader seizes on Trump remarks amid slump in support

In response to declining poll results, the leader of Canada’s Conservative Party has used Donald Trump’s remarks to distance himself from the president of the United States.

Trump stated in an interview with Fox News this week that he would prefer to deal with a Liberal over a Conservative in the upcoming federal election.

Pierre Poilievre claimed on Wednesday that the US president effectively supported Liberal Party of Prime Minister Mark Carney despite the country’s tariffs and annexation threats.

The president threatened to make us the 51st state again yesterday, Poilievre told reporters in Sudbury, Ontario, while the president claimed that it would be simpler for him to deal with.

“On that front, it’s true that I’m a capable leader and a tough man to deal with. I have a strong conviction, and I always put Canada first.

What appeared to be an unquestionable lead in public opinion polls has been eroded by Poilievre and his Conservative Party since the start of the year.

Experts claim that Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal leader and prime minister, as well as Trump’s repeated threats to annex Canada and impose severe sanctions against the nation, are major contributors to the Tories’ decline.

Prior to the federal election, which must occur by October 20 but is anticipated to occur sooner, the Liberals have a 9% lead over the Conservatives, according to recent polls.

In response to Trump, Poilievre, a politician known for his vile rhetoric and condemnation of Trudeau, has struggled to deliver his message.

Political science professor Daniel Beland told Al Jazeera last month that Poilievre faces a challenge because he needs to appeal to Canadians who want a leader who will withstand US threats while not alienating his base.

In addition, Poilievre’s combative political stance has drawn comparisons to Trump, which raises doubts about how he would handle the presidency if the Conservatives win the following election and he becomes prime minister.

Under Trudeau, Poilievre, who became the party’s leader in 2022, has frequently described Canada as “broken.” He has also attacked reporters for being biased, and his opponents claim that he frequently uses far-right rhetoric on immigration and other issues.

Poilievre has used the phrase “Canada First” in response to Trump’s most recent threats, which is similar to the US president’s own “America First” policy.

According to a poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute on Monday, 57% of Canadians thought Carney was best suited to deal with a US-Canada trade war, compared to 30% who chose Poilievre.

The polling research firm found that 41% of people now believe Carney to be the best choice to be prime minister, compared to 29% for Poilievre.

Given that the public views, Poilievre is still trying to figure out how to handle the Trump administration.

He stated to reporters on Wednesday that giving the Liberals a fourth term would only “damage our country” and strengthen Donald Trump.

We need a strong, tough leader who will unleash our resources, reduce taxes, and streamline bureaucracy, build homes, and put Canada first, according to the president.

In his Fox News interview, Trump also made an apparent distance between himself and Poilievre. Trump remarked, “The conservative who is running is stupidly not one of my friends.”