Conservatives accuse the Carney government of failing to defend Canada in US tariff sessions

The Canadian Conservative Party escalated its criticism of Prime Minister Mark Carney's government, accusing it of not adequately defending Canadian business interests during American sessions discussing the imposition of new tariffs on Canadian imports.

Conservative Shadow Minister for Canadian-American Relations, Chaufaloy Majumdar, said Canadians expected the government to utilize all political and diplomatic channels to defend Canadian workers and companies, especially amid ongoing American threats to impose additional tariffs on a number of goods.

Majumdar pointed out that the Canadian government did not send any official representative to participate in the American hearings related to Section 301 tariffs, while Mexico participated with an official delegation from the Ministry of Economy to defend its trade interests.

He added that Ottawa only submitted a brief written memorandum before the hearing date, considering this approach does not reflect the required level of seriousness in dealing with a file that could have direct implications on the Canadian economy.

The Conservatives saw the absence of Canadian representation in these sessions as an extension of what they described as a government approach characterized by hesitation in confronting sensitive trade issues with the United States, at a time when millions of Canadian jobs depend on the continued flow of trade between the two countries.

The statement also criticized the government's performance on combating products manufactured using forced labor, accusing the Liberals of not fully implementing Canada's commitments, either at the legislative level or within the framework of the free trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico.

The Conservatives warned that any failure to comply with these commitments could expose Canada to additional trade measures, including the loss of some tariff benefits or the imposition of restrictions on its exports to the American market.

The party pointed out that vital sectors, such as the automotive, steel, aluminum, and lumber industries, remain the most vulnerable to any new trade escalation, which, according to the statement, requires swift action and direct presence to defend Canadian interests.

Majumdar added that nearly 2.6 million Canadians depend directly or indirectly on trade with the United States, considering that the ongoing uncertainty imposes increasing pressure on Canadian businesses, workers, and families.

The Conservatives renewed their call to adopt a firmer economic policy in dealing with Washington, based on enhancing the competitiveness of the Canadian economy, developing the energy and industrial sectors, attracting investments, and confronting American tariffs more effectively.

The statement confirmed that the party will continue to push for policies aimed at protecting Canadian jobs, enhancing economic sovereignty, and securing supply chains, ensuring the preservation of Canada's competitiveness in the American and global markets.

These criticisms come at a time when trade relations between Ottawa and Washington continue to face challenges related to tariffs, the review of the free trade agreement, and supply chain issues, making the management of this file one of the most prominent economic and political issues in the upcoming phase.