WATCH: CBC asks Poilievre if he would ‘step aside’ over U.S. trade war

“I find that [to be] a strange question — the CBC is asking me to step aside in the next election,” said Poilievre. Tariffs on Canadian exports were delayed by 30 days following productive talks Monday afternoon.

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre shut down a CBC reporter for asking if he would “step aside” during the U.S. tariff war, slated for Tuesday morning.

“Do you believe the government’s promise of $155 billion in counter tariffs is enough and what would you do differently to get the president [Donald Trump] to change course?” asked the reporter.

In succession, the same reporter asked Poilievre: “Would you step aside and not compete for the head of the country to allow us to get through this crisis?” 

He replied: “I find that [to be] a strange question — the CBC is asking me to step aside in the next election.” Trump gave Canada a 30-day extension in light of production conversations on Canada closing the border Monday afternoon.

“No, we’re not going to suspend democracy,” reiterated the Opposition leader. “The Canadian people run this country, and they will choose the next prime minister.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused calls on Saturday to resume Parliament, having prorogued all federal business until March 24. U.S. tariffs on all Canadian goods enter effect Tuesday morning.

“This is a moment where we need to set aside our differences and focus on delivering for Canadians, standing up for Canadians,” Trudeau said. Canadian crude will be subject to a 10% tariff, while all other exports will receive a 25% levy.

“Will you recall Parliament?” asked a reporter. “We have the tools,” replied Trudeau.

In 2019, a similar trade dispute over steel tariffs led to parliamentary hearings where Canadians were invited to discuss solutions for resolving the smaller-scale trade conflict. Trudeau’s prorogation order on January 6 suspended all parliamentary business.

During a Friday address at the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump said there is “nothing” Canada can do to avoid crippling tariffs. “No, nothing. Not right now. No.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the tariffs over the “massive amounts of fentanyl” crossing into the U.S. from Canada.

Trump stipulates their “$200 billion” trade deficit with Canada was a key reason for the tariffs, claiming Canada has “treated us very unfairly.” 

The U.S. trade deficit with Canada last year was a reported $45 billion. It remains unclear where Trump got the $200 billion figure.

Canada considered “every tool in the toolbox” amid threats of economic annexation by Trump. They agreed that no one region or sector would suffer at the expense of others.

They were prepared to impose retaliatory tariffs had Trump proceeded with tariffs Tuesday morning.

A 25% tariff would shrink Canada’s GDP by 2.5%, according to analysis from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, costing the typical Canadian household $1,900 annually. For Americans, expect a 1.6% GDP drop and a $1,300 hit to the average household.

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Alex Dhaliwal

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Alex Dhaliwal is a Political Science graduate from the University of Calgary. He has actively written on relevant Canadian issues with several prominent interviews under his belt.

COMMENTS

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  • Bernhard Jatzeck
    commented 2025-02-04 00:24:20 -0500
    Typical CBC. That institution really does think that it’s on an intellectual plane far above the rest of us.
  • Bruce Atchison
    commented 2025-02-03 17:57:45 -0500
    CBC = Cock and Bull Corporation. They worship Trudeau so it’s no wonder they figure Poilievre will step aside so whoever becomes the Liberal prime minister can “fight” this tariff war.
  • Robin Dutton
    commented 2025-02-03 17:53:10 -0500
    Past time to call an election. I don’t think I’m alone in demanding an election now.