Poilievre criticizes Canada’s trade deadline with US as he seeks political comeback

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, currently working to regain a seat in Parliament, is warning that Canada’s decision to set a deadline for a US trade deal hands negotiating power to President Donald Trump.

In an interview with CBC Radio’s The House, Poilievre said Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to announce a July 21 deadline for a deal has weakened Canada’s position. “A unilateral, self-imposed deadline tells the counterparty that they have you on a clock, a clock that only applies to you,” he said.

Poilievre’s comments come as he mounts a political comeback following the loss of his Ottawa riding. While preparing for a by-election, he has taken a high-profile role in criticizing the government’s handling of sensitive trade talks with Washington.


The urgency stems from Trump’s threat to impose a 35 percent tariff on all Canadian goods beginning August 1, unless a new agreement is reached. Trump has claimed without strong evidence that fentanyl is entering the US from Canada and has also raised concerns about Canada’s supply management system for dairy.

According to a US official, goods compliant with the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) would be exempt from tariffs, but no final decisions have been confirmed.

Poilievre emphasized that every day without clarity adds pressure to Canadian businesses. “Every passing day brings uncertainty and paralysis,” he said.

Conservative MP Adam Chambers called for the Standing Committee on International Trade to be recalled. Poilievre echoed that call, saying Canadians need transparency on how the government is handling negotiations.

He also criticized the Liberal government’s digital services tax, which targeted US tech giants. Trump had halted talks over the tax but returned to negotiations after Carney agreed to drop it, a move the White House described as Canada “caving.”

Poilievre argued the tax could have been used as leverage. “He [Carney] hasn’t made any headway,” he said. “We want to see some wins for Canada.”

On supply management, Poilievre pushed back against US criticism, saying Canada shouldn’t offer concessions unless the US eliminates “billions of dollars” in farm subsidies.

With the clock ticking toward August 1, Carney has vowed to protect Canadian interests. Poilievre, meanwhile, is using the moment to reassert his leadership and possibly his return to Parliament.