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Canada Leadership Debate | Trump takes limelight | Canada as 51st U.S. state

On February 25, 2025, four candidates competing to lead the Liberal Party of Canada participated in an English-language debate in Montreal, focusing on how they would handle U.S. President Donald Trump. Chrystia Freeland, former finance minister, proposed "dollar-for-dollar retaliation" against U.S. tariffs, promising a smarter response. Mark Carney, ex-central banker and the front-runner, also supported retaliatory tariffs and firmly rejected Trump’s previous threats to make Canada part of the U.S. Former MP Frank Baylis suggested collaborating with Mexico to oppose Trump’s tariffs, while former cabinet minister Karina Gould pledged to be transparent with her policies. Freeland’s resignation in December triggered a political crisis, leading to Trudeau's announcement that he would step down. The new leader will be chosen on March 9. With Canada’s next election due by October 20, the Conservative Party appears to have an advantage after nine years of Liberal rule.

first published: Feb 26, 2025 02:52 pm