Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of Canada's Conservative Party, has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for imposing tariffs on Canada, describing the move as a betrayal. Poilievre stated that Trump 'stabbed America's best friend in the back' and vowed that Canada would retaliate, defending its people and economy, and prioritizing Canadian interests.

The tariffs, announced at 12:01am, have been labeled as an unjustifiable economic attack on Canadians and Albertans by Alberta's Premier Danielle Smith. She highlighted that these tariffs breach a trade agreement signed by Trump during his first term, and warned that they would adversely affect the American people as well.

In response to the tariffs, Poilievre emphasized a Canada-first approach, indicating readiness to fight back against what he perceives as an economic war initiated by the U.S. He also mentioned plans to grow the Canadian economy through building pipelines and cutting taxes.