Despite personal loss, Tory leader signals cooperation to resolve critical cross-border dispute
OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he’s ready to put partisanship aside to help resolve Canada’s growing trade standoff with the United States, offering the Liberals a rare olive branch amid economic uncertainty.
Speaking to Conservative MPs at a caucus meeting on Sunday—his first since the party’s strong showing in the April 28 election—Poilievre emphasized a willingness to collaborate with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government on efforts to end the escalating trade war.
“I’ve told the Prime Minister: we will co-operate in any way we can to bring this dispute to a close,” Poilievre said in his nearly 15-minute address, which was open to media.
While reaffirming core Conservative priorities such as affordability, tax relief, and government accountability, Poilievre struck a pragmatic tone on Canada-U.S. trade relations, suggesting that national interest must prevail over political rivalry.
The Conservatives secured 144 seats in the last election—solidifying their position as the Official Opposition—but Poilievre himself fell short in his riding. In his absence from the House of Commons, former leader Andrew Scheer will step in as the party’s parliamentary voice.
With Parliament resuming Monday, Poilievre’s message sets the stage for a potentially cooperative session—at least on international trade—despite what is otherwise expected to be a fiercely divided political landscape.