Poilievre Says Ottawa Making Mistake in China Pivot, Should Focus on US Ties

Poilievre Says Ottawa Making Mistake in China Pivot, Should Focus on US Ties
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre leaves the stage after speaking at the Economic Club of Canada in Toronto on Feb. 26, 2026. The Canadian Press/Chris Young
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Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre laid out his vision for negotiating a better trade relationship with the United States in comments this week at the Economic Club of Canada, while also criticizing Ottawa’s pivot towards Beijing.

Poilievre said Canada’s wellbeing is deeply connected to its relationship with the United States, arguing that Ottawa should bolster domestic economic strength to improve its leverage ahead of the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He also cautioned that China is “not a substitute” for the United States