Leader of the Conservative Party Pierre Poilievre speaks during the annual Canada Strong and Free Network in Ottawa on May 7, 2026. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby
OTTAWA—Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Ottawa must negotiate a deal with the United States that benefits Canada, but it should not turn away from Washington to pursue a strategic partnership with China.
Delivering the keynote address at a national conference of conservatives in Ottawa on May 7, Poilievre said Canada needs to “fight” for tariff-free trade with the United States by “negotiating a hard bargain” and opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
