The Shadow of Trump: How the U.S. President Loomed Over Canada’s Liberal Leadership Debate

President Donald Trump may not have been physically present on stage during Monday night’s French-language debate for the Liberal leadership race, but his influence was undeniable. The candidates—Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis—spoke extensively about the challenges Trump’s presidency poses to Canada’s economy and sovereignty. Each candidate sought to outline their strategy for navigating the complex relationship with the U.S., emphasizing the need for strength and clarity in negotiations. The debate highlighted a shared concern: the growing threat of Trump’s policies and rhetoric to Canadian interests.

A Changed Trump: Candidates Warn of a More Aggressive U.S. President

Mark Carney, a former central banker and front-runner in the race, set the tone early by asserting that Trump has evolved since his first term. “Trump of today, he isn’t the same as before,” Carney said. “Before, he wanted a piece of our economy. Now, he wants our country.” This sentiment was echoed by other candidates, who agreed that Trump’s increasingly isolationist and aggressive stance requires a robust response from Canada. Carney emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries in trade negotiations, particularly when it comes to sensitive issues like supply management, culture, and water. “We need to focus on what we can control,” he said. “We can’t control President Trump. We need to reinforce our economy immediately. It will reinforce our negotiating position.”

Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister, took this a step further, calling Trump the “biggest threat to Canada since World War II.” She warned that his administration poses an existential challenge to Canadian sovereignty, particularly through economic means. “Trump represents the biggest threat to Canada since World War II. He threatens us with economic war,” Freeland said in her opening remarks. Her comments underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for a leader who can effectively stand up to Trump’s antics.

Karina Gould, a former government House leader, struck a similar chord, arguing that Canada must assert its economic strength and independence. “We need to understand that Canadian businesses have a lot to offer the world,” she said. “Not just the United States but other countries.” Gould’s remarks reflected a broader sentiment among the candidates that diversifying Canada’s trade relationships is essential to mitigating the risks posed by Trump’s unpredictable policies.

Beyond Trump: Diverse Visions for Canada’s Economic Future

While Trump dominated much of the discussion, the candidates also presented their visions for Canada’s economic future beyond the current U.S. administration. Frank Baylis, a former MP, proposed the formation of a new economic alliance with the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This, he argued, would reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. and create new opportunities for growth. His proposal was a stark reminder that the challenges posed by Trump are not just about the current administration but also about building a more resilient and diversified economy for the long term.

The debate also touched on the ongoing trade agreement between Canada and the U.S., which Baylis dismissed as ineffective given Trump’s disregard for its terms. “The talk of negotiation with Trump is meaningless, since Canada already has a trade agreement in place which isn’t being respected by the American president,” he said. His comments highlighted the frustration many Canadians feel about the uneven relationship with their southern neighbor.

A Slip-Up and Its Aftermath: Carney’s French Language Challenge

The debate was not without its controversies. During a discussion about the war in Gaza, Mark Carney stumbled when he said that the Liberal candidates were in agreement “with” Hamas. He quickly clarified his statement, explaining that he meant to say the candidates were all in agreement on their positions regarding Hamas. Despite the clarification, the slip-up became a focal point for the Conservative Party, which seized on the moment to question Carney’s ability to communicate effectively in French.

Conservative MP Dan Albas was quick to criticize Carney, stating, “You don’t control the question, only your answer. The higher up you go, the more this matters.” He implied that Carney’s language skills were a liability for a national leader. The incident underscored the importance of bilingualism in Canadian politics, particularly for a party that has historically prided itself on its ability to represent both English and French-speaking Canadians.

In the post-debate press conference, Carney addressed the issue directly, switching to French midway through his response. “I look forward to having a debate with (Bloc Québécois Leader) Yves-François Blanchet and (Conservative Leader) Pierre Poilievre in the French language,” he said, demonstrating his commitment to improving his language proficiency. The moment served as a reminder of the challenges faced by candidates in a bilingual country and the high stakes of leadership debates.

Health Care Takes Center Stage: Candidates Present Their Visions

The debate also delved into domestic policy, particularly health care, an issue that remains paramount for many Canadians. Frank Baylis, who made his fortune in medical technology, presented the most comprehensive plan of the evening. Responding to a question about improving Quebec’s health-care system, Baylis outlined a vision to “build the best health-care system in the world.” He proposed expanding the roles of nurse practitioners and pharmacists, as well as increasing investment in homecare. “Right now we only have two doors to enter the health system. You either have a doctor or you have to go to the emergency room,” he said. “So I want to form more nurse practitioners, invest in homecare, and I want to enlarge the practice of pharmacists to give them more diagnosing power.”

Other candidates also weighed in on the issue. Chrystia Freeland suggested recruiting doctors and nurses from the U.S. to address staffing shortages in Canada. Mark Carney emphasized the need to eliminate obstacles for health-care professionals and leverage artificial intelligence to improve the system. Karina Gould, meanwhile, focused on accountability, calling for greater oversight of federal health transfers to the provinces. “In my view, there was too much money spent without results. It’s not for the federal government to have these results, it’s Canadians because it’s their money,” she said. Gould also proposed negotiating agreements with provinces and territories on mental health services.

The Stakes of the Debate: The Road to Leadership

With advance voting set to begin on Wednesday and only two weeks left until the winner is announced, the debate was a critical opportunity for the candidates to make their case to Liberal supporters. The race is not just about selecting a new leader for the Liberal Party; it is also about determining who will succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada. A general election is widely expected to follow soon after the results are declared, adding even more urgency to the contest.

The candidates entered the debate knowing the broad themes but not the specific questions, which added an element of unpredictability to the proceedings. The exchange highlighted the challenges of leadership in uncertain times, both domestically and internationally. As the Liberal Party prepares to choose its next leader, the debate served as a reminder of the high stakes involved and the need for a leader who can navigate both the complexities of Canadian politics and the ever-changing landscape of global relations.

In conclusion, Monday night’s debate showcased the depth of talent and vision within the Liberal Party, as well as the significant challenges that lie ahead. The shadow of Trump loomed large, but the candidates also demonstrated their commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Canada for the future. As the race enters its final stretch, Liberal supporters will be watching closely to see which candidate can best lead the party—and the country—through these uncertain times.