Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, announced plans to create an “east-west economy” by building oil and gas pipelines connecting Alberta to the Maritimes. This initiative is part of his broader strategy to address potential tariff threats from the United States.
During a major speech on Saturday, Poilievre aimed to position himself as the best candidate to steer Canada through rising trade tensions with its largest economic partner. He committed to a strong response against any tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and outlined a vision to revitalize Canada’s natural resource sector to strengthen the economy.
“We need to prepare for the worst,” Poilievre told a crowd of nearly 2,000 supporters in Ottawa. Many attendees wore red and white, holding Canadian flags. “We can’t rely solely on the Americans for trade anymore. These threats are a wake-up call.”
The “Canada First” rally marked a significant pivot for Poilievre as his party faces shifting political fortunes. While the Conservatives were previously well ahead in polls, their lead has tightened as Trump’s criticisms of Canada’s economy and sovereignty have shifted focus to the U.S.-Canada relationship.
In his speech, Poilievre emphasized the need to counter tariffs, bolster border security, reduce taxes, increase energy production, and safeguard the economy from a potential recession tied to trade disputes. He vowed to match any U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods “dollar for dollar” and warned that Americans would feel the financial impact of their policies.
Rangers on Canada’s Borders
Poilievre also promised to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, build pipelines from Alberta’s oil sands to eastern provinces, and repeal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s environmental assessment law within his first 60 days in office.
This would allow for faster approval of pipelines, mining projects, and port expansions to access global markets.
He further pledged to increase military spending, deploy thousands of rangers to Canada’s borders, purchase new icebreaker ships, and establish the country’s first Arctic military base since the Cold War.
Addressing the U.S. government directly, Poilievre presented two choices: escalate trade tensions, driving up costs for American consumers and weakening both nations, or strengthen economic ties to benefit both countries and enhance Canada’s ability to protect its borders.
“You have your issues with us, and we have ours with you,” he said. “But think about this: which country would you rather have as a neighbour? If Canada isn’t your ally, then who is?”
On the domestic front, Poilievre reiterated plans to scrap the federal carbon tax and outlined measures to combat the flow of fentanyl into Canada. He noted the issue has drawn significant attention from Trump, but added, “I’m not doing this for him. I’m doing this so no more Canadian parents have to suffer the loss of a child.”
Carney Opposes Pipelines
In recent weeks, the Conservatives have boosted their “Canada First” messaging, including releasing a video encouraging Canadians to display the national flag to celebrate its 60th anniversary. Despite a winter storm warning, supporters turned out on Saturday, holding banners with messages like “Protect our North” and “Strong & Free.”
The rally came a day after Conservative attack ads criticized Trudeau and Liberal leadership contender Mark Carney for opposing pipeline projects and supporting tax increases. One ad labeled Carney as “Carbon Tax Carney,” with the tagline, “If he wins, Canada loses.”
The Liberals have pushed back, accusing Poilievre of mimicking Trump’s rhetoric and highlighting his career as a lifelong politician. Mark Carney, appearing on a podcast Saturday, said, “He’s wrapping himself in the flag to look patriotic, but it’s a hollow gesture.”
Carney later hosted supporters at an Ottawa bar to watch Canada face the United States in a hockey tournament. Both he and Chrystia Freeland are leading contenders in the race to replace Trudeau as Liberal leader, with the decision set for March 9.
