During a prime ministerial debate Wednesday night, Liberal Party leader Mark Carney asserted that President Trump presents the greatest challenge to Canada. He made the statement while debating Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

“This election [is about] the question of who will succeed, and who will face up to Trump,” Carney stated in French, according to a Reuters translation.

Carney’s remarks were a response to Poilievre, who had previously accused him of mirroring the policies of the former prime minister, who recently resigned due to plummeting approval ratings.

“We are in a crisis. The most serious crisis of our lives,” Carney said. “We have to react with strength, which will allow us to succeed with Trump.”

Carney, who assumed leadership of the Liberal Party last month, is considered the frontrunner in the upcoming nationwide election. However, recent polls indicate a possible tightening of the race.

Prior to the former prime minister’s departure, the Liberal Party was projected to perform poorly against Poilievre’s Conservative Party in the federal election. However, concerns surrounding Trump appear to have shifted the political landscape.

Growing anxieties regarding a potential trade conflict with the U.S. and Trump’s threats to annex territory have revitalized support for the Liberal Party under Carney.

Carney is now reportedly seen as the more capable candidate to navigate the difficult negotiations necessary to ease the tariffs imposed by Trump this year.

Poilievre’s support for his “Canada First” platform has reportedly waned, with some suggesting its similarity to Trump’s “America First” agenda.

The Conservative leader has also reportedly faced internal criticism for his perceived slow response to the challenges posed by the U.S. president.

Reports suggest the race for Canada’s next prime minister between Poilievre and Carney could be becoming more competitive.

Polls indicate that Canadians concerned about the rising cost of living tend to favor Poilievre, while those focused on the economy and relations with the U.S. lean towards Carney.

Poilievre has been a presence in Canadian politics since his election to Parliament in 2004.

Carney’s experience as head of the Bank of Canada (2008) and the Bank of England (2013) has led some to believe he is uniquely qualified to address the looming financial crisis facing Canada amidst Trump’s tariff disputes.

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