Federal party leaders continue campaigning as more Trump tariffs loom

By Canadian Press on March 31, 2025.

OTTAWA — Party leaders are likely to receive several questions about Canada-U.S. relations during their campaign stops today, a day before American President Donald Trump is expected to impose “reciprocal” tariffs by increasing U.S. duties to match the tax rates that other countries charge on imports.

Tomorrow, Trump may also reinstate economy-wide tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which he has linked to the flow of fentanyl.

Earlier this month, Trump hit Canada and Mexico with 25 per cent across-the-board duties, with a lower 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy — then partly paused the tariffs a few days later until April 2.

Two party leaders will be in the Prairies Tuesday, with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to be in Edmonton and Liberal Leader Mark Carney to be in Winnipeg.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre will hold a press conference in St. John’s, N.L and a rally in Borden-Carleton, P.E.I.

In the face of the escalating trade war with the United States, party leaders have promised to help affected workers — with Carney making a $2-billion pledge to help support Canada’s auto sector and Poilievre promising to expand the tax writeoff that trade workers can declare for work travel.

— With files from Kelly Geraldine Malone

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2025.

The Canadian Press