Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre is asking Prime Minister Mark Carney to disclose details about the rejected trade deal between Canada and the U.S. The two nations were engaged in trade talks before they fell through in late August, with Canada rejecting the deal and pulling its negotiating team. Speaking to reporters in Regina on Monday, Poilievre argued that Canadians have a right to know exactly what was offered. “The prime minister obviously has an analysis on how his counter-tariffs will increase inflation and costs for small business,” Poilievre said. “He has admitted that tariffs will be a tax on consumers, we just want him to release that analysis so that single moms, small business owners, seniors, know what they’re going to have to pay.” After talks fell through, Canada announced counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion in U.S. imports effective Sept. 8. Various goods will be hit with tariffs at rates of 15, 25 and 50 per cent. Poilievre also called on the federal government to create an economic action plan aimed at offsetting the costs of the trade war. “The government has not done enough to protect workers. We have not seen an economic action plan to save money and jobs for the Canadian people right now,” Poilievre said. The Conservative Party leader was asked if Canada should take further tariff action if the U.S. imposes another round of tariffs in light of Canada’s retaliation. “We’re against the tariffs that the Americans are imposing, our goal is to fight for tariff-free trade. We think that should be the mission here,” Poilievre said. “Tariff-free trade is good for Americans and Canadians, and we believe that we can build up our leverage and make the case for that tariff-free trade to the American people to put pressure on the administration to give Canada the treatment we deserve.” CTV News has reached out to the federal government for comment.
