Ontario Construction News Staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney officially triggered a federal election after dissolving Parliament on Sunday. Voters across Canada will head to the polls on April 28, marking the start of a 36-day campaign.
Carney, who assumed office just 10 days ago, has positioned himself as the defender of Canadian sovereignty, particularly against external pressures, including from the United States. His campaign is built around ensuring that Canada remains firm in the face of foreign influence, a message that has resonated with voters concerned about U.S. President Donald Trumpโs aggressive trade policies.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre sees the election as an opportunity to return to his core priorities: lowering taxes and improving affordability for Canadians. At a rally in Gatineau, Quebec, Poilievre reiterated his promise to eliminate the carbon tax, reduce government spending, and support resource projects to create jobs.
However, his campaign faced complications following comments from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who, in a recent interview with Breitbart, suggested asking the Trump administration to pause tariffs until after the election. The remarks triggered backlash, prompting Poilievre to clarify his position and distance himself from Trump.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that new reciprocal tariffs will take effect on April 2, though he indicated there may be some flexibility in their implementation. Steel and aluminum tariffs, which were implemented earlier this month, continue to affect Canadian exports.
Key updates on tariffs include:
- A 25% U.S. tariff on steel and aluminum imports took effect March 12.
- U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods under the USMCA are set to resume on April 2. Canada retaliated with new duties on approximately $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
The ongoing trade tensions are hitting Canadian workers hard, particularly those in the steel industry. The United Steelworkers union (USW) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) held a media event in Hawkesbury, Ontario, highlighting the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports. Ivaco, a company in the region, recently announced layoffs, citing tariffs and reduced orders as the primary causes. USW Local 7940 President Eric Fournier emphasized the urgent need for government support to address job losses and disruptions.
While the Conservatives focus on economic issues and tax cuts, the NDP continues to advocate for workers’ rights and healthcare reforms. Carneyโs campaign, on the other hand, is likely to continue emphasizing sovereignty, national security, and the need to limit foreign influence.