Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre travelled to Detroit on Tuesday to argue for tariff-free trade in the auto sector, holding a news conference in Windsor, Ont., before crossing the border.
Poilievre said he planned to meet with representatives of a General Motors plant in Detroit and officials from a Ford plant in nearby Dearborn, Mich., as well as members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He said he would be joined by members of the Conservative caucus from the Windsor area.
The Conservative leader attributed declining auto production on both sides of the border to the ongoing trade war. “The story is not rosy there either and that is because of this ridiculous trade war that is only helping China and other overseas competitors. We should not be fighting with each other while our risks and rivals abroad get stronger,” Poilievre said.
Tariffs at the Centre of a Michigan Election Race
The trade dispute has become a significant issue in the U.S. midterm election race in Michigan, a state central to the American auto industry. Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, who had previously supported the tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, released a video last week stating “Canada is not our enemy” and calling for an end to the trade war. In a debate with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, Rogers said he wants a deal reached with Canada and described the current tariffs as too high.
The United States currently applies a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian autos. Trump has threatened to raise that tariff to 50 per cent on Jan. 1 in response to Canada’s counter-tariffs.
Talks Stalled Since Last Year
When asked about comments from Trump adviser Peter Navarro warning that Canada would face consequences for any interference in the midterm elections, Poilievre said he does not view his visit ahead of the Nov. 3 vote as meddling. “I think we’re going there to fight for tariff-free trade on both sides of the border and Americans want lower prices and more jobs and we’re offering a plan for them to have both,” he said.
Trump ended trade talks with Canada last year after Ontario aired an advertisement during the World Series using clips of former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs and supporting free trade. In August, Prime Minister Mark Carney directed the Canadian negotiating team to halt trade talks with the U.S., accusing American officials of making unreasonable demands.
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