Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a passionate defense of Canadian sovereignty and outlined a series of economic policies at his “Canada First” rally in Ottawa on Saturday, as tensions with the United States over President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and annexation continue to escalate.
Speaking to a crowd of hundreds adorned in red and white, Poilievre condemned Trump’s recent remarks about making Canada the “51st state” and vowed that Canada would “bear any burden” to protect its independence. “The unjustified threats of tariffs and statehood from Donald Trump have united our people to defend the country we love,” he declared.
The rally, held on the 60th anniversary of Canada’s adoption of the maple leaf flag, took place against a backdrop of heightened patriotism and growing concerns over U.S. economic pressure. Polls suggest Trump’s threats have shifted public focus, narrowing the Conservatives’ once-dominant lead.
Poilievre unveiled a plan to counter potential U.S. tariffs, promising dollar-for-dollar retaliatory measures with all proceeds going to affected Canadian businesses and workers. “Not one penny will go to government spending,” he assured the crowd. He also warned the U.S. that imposing tariffs would “turn a loyal friend into a resentful neighbour,” forcing Canada to seek alliances elsewhere.
The Conservative leader pitched a series of policies aimed at strengthening Canada’s economy and self-sufficiency. These included incentivizing Indigenous participation in resource projects, repealing the Impact Assessment Act (Bill C-69), and fast-tracking approvals for projects like the Ring of Fire mining development in northern Ontario. Poilievre also expressed support for a national west-to-east pipeline to transport resources from the Prairies to Saint John, New Brunswick.
The Liberal Party responded to Poilievre’s rally with skepticism, accusing him of attempting to rebrand himself ahead of the next election. Immigration Minister Marc Miller quipped, “You can’t say Canada is broken and also claim it’s the best country in the world. The two don’t go together,” referencing Poilievre’s past criticisms of the nation.
The Liberals also released an ad comparing Poilievre’s statements to Trump’s, arguing that the Conservative leader is the “wrong choice at the wrong time.”
Amid the political sparring, five former prime ministers—Joe Clark, Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien, Paul Martin, and Stephen Harper—issued a joint statement urging Canadians to fly the flag as a symbol of unity. “Let’s show the world that we are proud of our history and proud of our country,” they wrote.
The call to action comes as Canadian flagmakers report a surge in sales, reflecting a renewed sense of national pride in the face of external threats.
As the political landscape heats up, Poilievre’s rally signals a strategic pivot for the Conservatives, blending economic policy with a strong defense of Canadian sovereignty. With an election on the horizon, the battle lines are being drawn, and the stakes for Canada’s future have never been higher.