'Biggest Risk We Have to Face Is Donald Trump': Canada PM Mark Carney Warns in Pre-Election Debate

Ottawa, April 18 — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a sharp warning about the economic and political threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump during the final debate ahead of Canada’s federal election scheduled for April 28. Labeling Trump as the “biggest risk” to the nation’s sovereignty and prosperity, Carney emphasized that domestic economic reform—particularly the removal of interprovincial trade barriers—would benefit Canada more than any trade friction Trump could generate.

Carney’s Trump Warning: “We Must Get This Right”

Carney, who took over as Prime Minister last month following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, took direct aim at Trump’s trade policies and political rhetoric. Speaking during Thursday’s televised debate, Carney stated, “The biggest risk we have to face is Donald Trump. We’ve got to get that right.”

He underscored the dangers of Trump’s aggressive tariff strategies and controversial remarks suggesting Canada could become the “51st state” of the U.S. “We are facing the greatest crisis of our lifetimes,” Carney said. “Trump’s tactics endanger the very fabric of Canadian independence and economic stability.”

Canada’s Internal Reforms Take Center Stage

While addressing cross-border tensions, Carney also unveiled his key economic strategy: the elimination of Canada’s longstanding internal trade barriers. He confirmed a July 1 target date to establish free trade among the country’s 10 provinces and three territories, claiming this reform will unlock economic growth stifled for decades.

“We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away,” Carney asserted. “We can have one economy. This is within our grasp.”

From Central Banker to Political Leader

Carney, the former head of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, entered politics abruptly after Trudeau stepped down amid sagging approval ratings and rising public dissatisfaction over the cost of living. His ascent to leadership came within weeks of securing the Liberal Party’s top post, and he now aims to define his governance apart from Trudeau’s legacy.

When challenged by Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre over the Liberals’ economic record, Carney distanced himself from past leadership. “It may be difficult, Mr. Poilievre — you spent years running against Justin Trudeau and the carbon tax. They are both gone,” Carney said. “I am a very different person than Justin Trudeau.”

Rising Liberal Support Ahead of Election Day

Carney’s bold stance against Trump and his focus on Canadian self-reliance appear to be resonating with voters. A recent poll shows the Liberals now leading the Conservatives by five percentage points, a dramatic shift from January, when the Conservatives held a 27-point lead. Analysts attribute this turnaround to growing nationalism and voter unease over Trump’s trade aggression.

In closing the debate, Carney reaffirmed his readiness to renegotiate trade terms with the U.S. if re-elected. He also defended the government’s retaliatory tariffs, stating they are “hurting Americans where it matters.”

Key Takeaways:

• Carney calls Trump the “biggest risk” to Canada’s future.

• Proposes elimination of internal trade barriers to boost economy.

• Vows to defend Canadian sovereignty in face of U.S. trade pressures.

• Poll momentum shifts toward Liberals ahead of April 28 election.