Attention shifted back to Canada’s sovereignty in the federal election.
Reports suggest the idea of Canada being a 51st State was raised during Liberal leader Mark Carney’s telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump in late March.
Trump again mused it in conversations he had with reporters in Washington.
Carney would not confirm the report when asked by reporters during a campaign stop in British Columbia but says he has told Trump it will never happen.
“We had discussions as sovereign nations. We agreed as sovereign nations that these negotiations will begin after the election on Monday. That is how it was reported back, and that’s absolutely accurate,” says Carney.
Carney says the President’s comments are the reasons for strong leadership after Monday.
“Who can stand up to President Trump? Who can build Canada strong? Who has the experience in order to do that? That’s the crucial choice that Canadians need to make,” says Carney.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh does not believe Carney is being truthful about his conversation.
“If Mark Carney is not being straight up with us, he’s not going to be straight up with us in the negotiations,” says Singh.
Singh worries about what will be on the table when the next Prime Minister sits down with Trump.
He says workers’ rights, healthcare, the environment, Treaty and Indigenous rights among issues that should not be used as bargaining chips in any new deal brokered.
“You need to elect New Democrats, one, to make sure that this process is transparent. We’re going to fight to make sure Canadians know what’s at stake, what the impact is before a vote comes to Parliament.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre focused his attention on efforts to grow Canada’s auto industry.
He says he would eliminate any measure meant to gid rid of gas-powered vehicles.
“No $20,000 tax on gas-powered cars. No permanent bans on the cars you love and rely on,” says Poilievre.
Poilievre committed to honour all government commitments made to support electric-vehicles, battery plants, and other plants related to EVs.
“I have nothing against electric cars. If you want one, buy one. Free choice. Make your own decision.”
The federal election takes place on Monday.
