Canadian Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Poilievre described Trudeau’s approach as “weak” and criticized his inability to secure any tangible benefits for Canada during the high-stakes discussion.
The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions following Trump’s announcement of a proposed 25-percent tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods. The policy, aimed at pressuring both nations to combat mass migration and drug trafficking, has alarmed Canadian leaders, as nearly 77 percent of Canada’s exports go to the United States.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Poilievre lamented Trudeau’s perceived ineffectiveness. “Normally when a prime minister goes to the United States to meet a president, they’re looking to make gains. What gains did we hear from Mr. Trudeau? None. He’s just trying to limit losses,” he said. “This is the consequence of having a weak prime minister who has lost control: lost control of our borders, lost control of immigration, lost control of crime and drugs, and lost control of our economy.”
Trudeau’s Florida trip included a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with members of his cabinet and Trump. Both leaders described the meeting as productive but refrained from offering specific outcomes. Trudeau later shared a photo on social media, thanking Trump and expressing optimism about future collaboration, while Trump highlighted key topics discussed, including the drug crisis, trade deals, and illegal immigration.
However, Trudeau returned to Canada without securing any guarantees that Trump would abandon the proposed tariffs, leaving both his critics and allies concerned. Poilievre warned that Trudeau’s inability to deliver results has left Canadians vulnerable to the economic repercussions of such policies. “Canadians are paying a dreadful price for everything that Justin Trudeau has broken,” Poilievre stated.
Trump’s proposed tariffs are part of a broader strategy to address illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis, which he has linked to international trade. “On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States,” Trump declared. “This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!”
The fallout from Trudeau’s visit has spurred regional leaders across Canada to take independent action to protect their provinces’ economic interests. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith criticized federal energy policies that hinder trade relations with the U.S., stating, “We are your solution to energy security and affordability.” Meanwhile, British Columbia Premier David Eby vowed to pursue independent trade opportunities with America to mitigate potential impacts of the tariffs.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has already launched a multimillion-dollar ad campaign to position Ontario as a key trading partner with the U.S., separate from broader Canadian trade strategies. “We have to have a cohesive message,” Smith added, emphasizing the need for Trudeau to reassess his policies to restore Canada’s negotiating power.
As tensions rise, Trudeau faces growing criticism from both opposition leaders and regional premiers. Poilievre and others argue that strong leadership is urgently needed to protect Canada’s economic and political interests in its dealings with the United States.