“Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. We must actively take on the world as it is, not wait for the world as we wish it to be. The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn. Nostology is not a strategy. But from the fracture, we can build something better, stronger and more just.” — Prime Minister Mark Carney, Davos, Switzerland, January 2026
“Our historic alliance with the United States is far more important and we must do everything we can to preserve it……..It works best, this free enterprise system, when it works between countries, between nations like Canada and the U.S. Yet, paradoxically, ironically, we are today, clashing with tariffs, harsh words, boycotts and other disputes. We need a road to repair the relationship and restore reciprocal free trade and security cooperation. — Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievere, New York City, U.S., March 2026
Two conflicting statements? On the surface, perhaps, but in reality, not at all. Both need to be said, and to do it safely, properly and with distinction, it has taken two Canadian political leaders.
Mark Carney has perhaps the toughest job of any Canadian Prime Minister in modern history. For him, it is a balancing act, and with the current President of the United States, an extremely delicate one at that.
On the one hand, he must keep the door open for a working relationship with the Trump administration in the United States. On the other hand, he must deal with the reality that this relationship has dramatically changed, and Canada can no longer rely on the United States as its closest friend and ally.
That reality requires a new direction, new international partners, new alliances in relation to trade and security and a renewed presence on the world stage. That is what Carney emphasized at Davos, and that is why he is travelling around the world to develop and strengthen these ties. Those who criticize him for doing so are simply wrong.
Another reality, however, is that Canada cannot avoid engaging with the United States. It’s wishful thinking at its best to believe that once Donald Trump leaves office, everything will go back to what it was. Yet, in terms of resources and security, Canada and the United States need each other, and that cannot change.
Enter Pierre Poilievre.
Certainly not Canada’s most popular public figure, but like him or not, he did his job in the United States last week. In a number of ways, he did what Mark Carney, as Prime Minister, could not do, given the balancing act he is faced with.
For one thing, Poilievre was able to debunk Trump’s continuing reference to Canada as America’s fifty-first State in a manner Carney never could.
“We’re proudly Canadian, so we are never going to be the fifty first state and I just wish he would knock that shit off so that we could get back to talking about things we can do as two separate countries that are actually friends.”
Poilievre said this on American podcaster Joe Rogan’s program, possibly the largest podcast in the entire world, reaching millions upon millions of people. He succinctly mouthed what most Canadians are thinking.
More importantly, Pierre Poilievre spent his entire tour in the United States underlining the importance of a positive relationship between Canada and the United States. He did not try to overshadow or undercut Mark Carney. In fact, he defended him and was clear that there could be only one Prime Minister in Canada at a time. He refused to criticize Mark Carney on foreign soil.
In relation to the reality of current events, Poilievre was clear. “I’ve said I will support Carney any way I can. Even in my visit down here, I’m sending him text messages to tell him what’s going on to try to support his work because we both want what’s best for Canada.”
In a Toronto Star article, Liberal leaning columnist Susan Delacourt noted, “Poilievre also gave a strong speech to a New York business audience on Thursday night arguing that Canada has what the U.S. needs and that should be front of mind as Trump wages his tariff war with an old friend and ally.”
Pierre Poilievre was in the United States last week to stand up for Canada and to emphasize the importance of a positive relationship between our two countries. He did that in a statesman-like manner that supported the efforts of Prime Minister Mark Carney and did not undermine or criticize him in any way.
In watching all of this, I was impressed with how starkly Pierre Poilievre showed us the difference between Canada and the United States.
In this country, political parties can work together and support each other when the chips are down. We can pursue our goals in a respectful but firm, non-threatening manner, and we can do this without violence or intimidation.
There is little tolerance for that in the United States. In fact, when differences occur under current circumstances, anarchy raises its ugly head, revenge politics kick in, the rule of law is virtually ignored, international peace is at risk and allies, even NATO itself, are threatened and bullied for not toeing the line in supporting unauthorized wars.
The difference between a true democracy and a budding dictatorship is not whether the cause is right but rather whether the process is right.
To this I can only say, ‘Vive la différence.’
In my view, and I believe in the view of many Canadians of different political stripes, Mark Carney, as Prime Minister, is in the right place at the right time. In some ways, he reminds me of former Prime Minister Mike Pearson. He has diplomatic and economic skills that are badly needed as we face such uncertain and game-changing times.
I also believe that Pierre Poilievre demonstrated this week that he, too, can be an effective political leader in Canada. We should celebrate that and not denigrate it.
Our system of government in Canada encourages the development of Opposition Leaders as a reasonable alternative to the current government when that time is appropriate. In my view, this past week, Pierre Poilievre took an important step in demonstrating that he is capable of filling that role.
Hugh Mackenzie
Hugh Mackenzie has held elected office as a trustee on the Muskoka Board of Education, a Huntsville councillor, a District councillor, and mayor of Huntsville. He has also served as chairman of the District of Muskoka and as chief of staff to former premier of Ontario, Frank Miller.
Hugh has also served on a number of provincial, federal and local boards, including chair of the Ontario Health Disciplines Board, vice-chair of the Ontario Family Health Network, vice-chair of the Ontario Election Finance Commission, and board member of Roy Thomson Hall, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada. Locally, he has served as president of the Huntsville Rotary Club, chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, president of Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and board member of Community Living Huntsville.
In business, Hugh Mackenzie has a background in radio and newspaper publishing. He was also a founding partner and CEO of Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm established in 1986.
Currently, Hugh is president of C3 Digital Media Inc., the parent company of Doppler Online, and he enjoys writing commentary for Huntsville Doppler.
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Poilievre actually played this smart. As Opposition Leader, he can’t negotiate tariffs — that’s the sitting PM’s job, and he acknowledged that directly. He said he believes it’s Carney’s role and that he supports him in those efforts — he was even texting Carney throughout his U.S. trip.
What he can do is something no other Canadian politician has done: go on the biggest podcast in the world and make the case directly to millions of Americans that tariffs are hurting them. He argued that tariffs don’t bring production to America — they just raise the price of trucks for miners and electricians. That’s a powerful message landing in Trump’s own base.
He framed the goodwill of the American people as Canada’s biggest leverage point heading into the CUSMA renegotiation — and he’s right. Public pressure from American consumers and businesses is one of the few things that actually moves Trump on trade.
So the “HOW” is: build American public support for dropping tariffs, support Carney in negotiations, and position Canada as an indispensable partner. That’s not skirting the question — that’s using the tools available to an Opposition Leader effectively.
What I would like to know is how PP will get rid of the tarriffs ?
He got up in parliament on his first day back and slammed Carney for close to 1/2 hr.
His plan will get rid of tarriffs
HOW HOW HOW. He was asked and skirted around it.
For Conservatives, both the up front and those in hiding, It must have been rather novel to see our PC leader making reasonable sound bites. Talking to a border-line comedian whose forte is giving views, both apolitical and fringe, their “fifteen minutes of fame”.
I read reports on the interview a few times, and most people agreed that the show went very well. Are we just perplexed and amazed that a politician who couldn’t articulate much beyond “Axe the Tax” and “Spike the Hike’, for 2 or 3 years, could form complete sentences. He did blow a lot of time.
A few months ago in Switzerland, another party leader took to the dais in Davos and surprised us all with primo oratory. Something that hasn’t shown up in Canadian politics since the Devil was just a precocious child. Up ’til then he needn’t present ideas since the PP mentioned above was just an outline in a cloud of dust and conservatism was just a concept.
Our PM is on the hoof much as Trudeau was. The difference was Trudeau travelled mostly to apologize for life and PM Carney seems to be looking for new building blocks for one for us. Give it a shot man! We’re rooting for you.
As for PP, from where he is, anywhere else must appear as hallowed ground. Anywhere’s an improvement over this PC purgatory they find themselves in.
Always appreciated good dialogue and oratory. It seems that both our party leaders can cough it up. It’s just that, I find that one brick does not a wall or a platform build. Looking for more.
Yes! United we stand, divided we fall.
I belive that both, the PM and the opposition leader realize that and will act accordingly.
We must not fight among ourselves when pressures upon our country are external.
.
After one year in office Carney will likely have a majority Apr 13.
“Polls show Mark Carney is very popular among Canadians. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is proving to be one of the most effective leaders that Canada has had in decades.
Carney’s approval is riding high compared to his main rival, and his party is polling better than it has in a decade.”
After the byelections April 13 Carney will likely have a majority.
Last election many Canadians were not that familiar with Carney but they knew they didn’t like Poilievre. That part is still true.
“Canada’s Conservative leader is in serious trouble, polls reveal”
Carney may not even need an election to get a majority at the rate PCs are defecting to the Liberals.
4 so far. Harper had 3.
It turns out even many PC members don’t like PP.
Along with most Canadians.
Even in Alberta.
“Gap narrows in Alberta as federal Conservatives shed some support to Liberals: poll”
“Byelections could tip Liberals to a majority — will it matter in dealing with Trump?”
Canadians don’t want another election.Carney would win in a landslide anyway.
“Carneymania Sweeps the Country. Yes, Even Quebec and AlbertaPolls show the prime minister’s popularity stretches far beyond the Liberal base”
“It is the largest Liberal advantage measured by Leger since the summer of 2020.”
Canada does its best work when its leaders, across parties, recognize the same reality, even if they approach it differently. That’s what this piece is getting at. It was notable to see former prime ministers like Harper and Chrétien in conversation recently, reflecting a shared understanding of Canada’s position despite very different political traditions.
But it’s important to separate performance from responsibility. A podcast appearance, no matter how large the audience, is not the same thing as governing within alliances or managing long-term trade and security relationships. The headline can quickly become “strong performance,” while the real work is slower, more constrained, and far less visible.
Real leadership tends to be quieter than the moment suggests. That’s the standard Canada needs to keep in view as we navigate a more complicated relationship with the United States.
Work together…nothing new about people saying that. Why did it take so long for this politician to catch on?
A truly excellent interview with Mr. Poilievre and Joe Rogan. This is one of the best political discussions of all time by any politician in Canada. His message offers real solutions to USMCA, speaks to bipartisanship and unity. Puts the needs of Canadians first. He repeatedly refused to criticize his Prime Minister and his opponents on foreign soil. Sadly those Canadians who should watch this podcast won’t. Joe Rogan averages 11 million views per episode and has reached hundreds of millions of viewers through his podcast. Pierre Poilievre spoke like a true Diplomat throughout his analysis of the current issues at hand. Bravo for wanting Prime Minister Carney to succeed. Words well spoken.
Bang on, Hugh. And Canada will benefit from this type of cooperative approach. Contrast that with what’s going on south of the border where Trump has themselves and the whole world in chaos.
We need to work together.