The leading candidates vying to replace Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau clashed over how to respond to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade threats in a televised debate Monday, as the race tightens ahead of the October 20 election.
Once seen as an easy win for the opposition Conservatives, the contest to lead Canada has become more competitive following Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on all Canadian imports, a move that could trigger economic turmoil.
"Trump represents the biggest threat to Canada since World War Two," former finance minister Chrystia Freeland said during the French-language debate between the four Liberal candidates.
Freeland, who helped negotiate the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement under Trump’s first administration, warned that the president previously sought to wage economic war against Canada but that his current threats were even more severe.
"This time, Trump’s threats are worse—he wants to make Canada the 51st state," she said. Canada sends 75% of its exports to the U.S. and could fall into a recession if trade barriers are enforced.
Mark Carney, a former central banker and the current front-runner, dismissed the idea that Trump could succeed in pressuring Canada.
"At this moment, Canada is facing the worst crisis of our lives... I know how to handle crises," he said, pointing to his experience leading the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later the Bank of England during Brexit.
Both Carney and Freeland said Canada must respond forcefully if Trump follows through on his tariff threats.
Freeland’s resignation in December after nine years in cabinet triggered a political crisis that ultimately led to Trudeau announcing his resignation last month. The new Liberal leader will be chosen on March 9.
The Conservatives, seeking to capitalize on Trudeau’s unpopularity, dismissed the debate as a contest between interchangeable candidates. In a statement titled "Sneaky Carney Must Come Clean With Canadians," they claimed there was no difference between Trudeau and the leading contenders.
The remaining candidates, former cabinet minister Karina Gould and retired legislator Frank Baylis, will join Carney and Freeland for an English-language debate on Tuesday, as the campaign battle intensifies.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it want...
China has ordered Meta to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of artificial intelligence start-up Manus, marking a major escalation in Beij...
Formula One cars from the 1950s to the 1970s returned to the streets of Monaco on Sunday (26 April) for the 15th Historic Grand Prix, organised by ...
Adidas shares rose after Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe delivered a historic performance at the London Marathon on Sunday (26 April), becoming the fi...
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are advancing one of Central Asia’s largest joint energy projects: the construction of the Kambarata HP...
China has ordered Meta to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of artificial intelligence start-up Manus, marking a major escalation in Beijing’s scrutiny of foreign investment in sensitive technology sectors. The order was issued on Monday by the National Development and Reform Commission.
Formula One cars from the 1950s to the 1970s returned to the streets of Monaco on Sunday (26 April) for the 15th Historic Grand Prix, organised by the Automobile Club of Monaco.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are advancing one of Central Asia’s largest joint energy projects: the construction of the Kambarata HPP-1 hydropower plant on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan, with a planned capacity of nearly 2,000 megawatts.
An overnight Russian drone attack on Ukraine's southern city of Odesa has wounded at least 10 people, including two children, and inflicted severe structural damage across several residential neighbourhoods, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Monday morning.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner by Secret Service agents after a 31 year old suspect attempted to storm event.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling to contain two major wildfires in northern Japan for a fourth consecutive day, as flames advance towards residential areas and force thousands to flee.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks.
Adidas shares rose after Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe delivered a historic performance at the London Marathon on Sunday (26 April), becoming the first athlete to run an official marathon in under two hours.
An overnight Russian drone attack on Ukraine's southern city of Odesa has wounded at least 10 people, including two children, and inflicted severe structural damage across several residential neighbourhoods, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Monday morning.
Taiwan’s defence minister has downplayed the impact of new Chinese sanctions on seven European firms, saying they will not disrupt the island’s access to weapons.
The top U.S. diplomat in Taiwan on Monday urged the island’s opposition-controlled parliament to approve President Lai Ching-te’s proposed $40 billion supplemental defence budget, citing rising pressure from China.
Formula One cars from the 1950s to the 1970s returned to the streets of Monaco on Sunday (26 April) for the 15th Historic Grand Prix, organised by the Automobile Club of Monaco.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 27th of April, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment