Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have exchanged sharply contrasting messages as trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "loves the people of Canada" but claimed the country "would not exist without the United States" and needs the U.S. to survive. The remarks come amid an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries.

Poilievre, meanwhile, criticized Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to both Canadian workers and American consumers. According to Poilievre's statement, the proposed tariffs would increase costs for U.S. consumers while hurting Canadian industries, particularly as Mexico would be exempt from the new measures.

The Conservative leader also urged the federal government to convene an all-party meeting to develop a coordinated response before the proposed tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Aug. 19. He further called for faster progress on major economic projects, including pipeline development, to strengthen Canada's economy.