OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is wishing Prime Minister Mark Carney well ahead of his meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump this week — but he’s making it clear he expects concrete wins for Canadians, not photo ops.
Carney is travelling to Washington on Monday, with trade and security expected to dominate Tuesday’s talks amid a prolonged tariff dispute that shows little sign of resolution.
In a letter to the Prime Minister obtained by The Canadian Press, Poilievre accuses Carney of failing to follow through on campaign promises to secure tariff relief from the U.S. administration.
“We restate our standing offer to help you keep your promise to ‘negotiate a win’ on tariffs with the U.S. We only ask that you keep your promise in this meeting with the president,” Poilievre wrote.
While most Canadian goods continue to enter the U.S. tariff-free under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Ottawa is seeking relief on steep sectoral tariffs affecting steel, aluminum, copper, autos, and softwood lumber. Poilievre is urging Carney to secure the removal of these tariffs and push back against Buy American policies that limit opportunities for Canadian producers.
He criticized the government’s decision to drop its digital services tax and lift counter-tariffs on U.S. goods earlier this year, claiming Canada received “nothing in return.” Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc rejected that characterization, framing the moves as strategic steps in broader negotiations.
Carney has argued that Canada continues to enjoy one of the strongest trade frameworks in the world, pointing to CUSMA exemptions. However, renewal talks for the agreement are looming next year, adding pressure to the Washington meetings.
Trump has shown little inclination to compromise, recently reviving his quip about making Canada the “51st state” during remarks about a proposed North American missile defense system.
Despite his sharp criticism, Poilievre said he supports the prime minister’s efforts to secure a deal, writing, “I am always happy to help because we all must put Canada ahead of our parties.”
Joining Carney on this trip are Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. LeBlanc recently told a parliamentary committee that talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have been “encouraging,” but cautioned against predicting when a breakthrough might occur.
Poilievre concluded his letter by warning Carney not to return to Ottawa empty-handed. “If you only return with excuses, broken promises and photo ops, you will have failed our workers, our businesses and our country,” he wrote.