Trade tensions with the United States are rising again and Canada's response could define the next decade of economic growth.

In this episode, I walk through Pierre Poilievre's speech at the economic club of Toronto where he speaks of his conservative Canada-first economic vision in the face of Trump-era tariffs.

What leverage does Canada actually have? How should Ottawa respond to trade threats? And is the Conservative approach the most coherent strategy on the table?

We walk through Poilievre's case for stronger negotiating leverage, energy independence, and rebuilding Canada's economic advantage including the argument that Canada should be exporting its own LNG instead of importing shipments from Australia.

I also look at the debate in the house of commons over immigration. Conservatives are pushing to remove Immigration Minister Lena Diab, arguing the system remains overwhelmed and mismanaged. They recently introduced what they call a "common-sense" motion to address the issue of which the government voted against. What does that vote signal about Ottawa's priorities? And how does immigration policy connect to housing, labour markets, and economic growth?

sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZPxfk--yKE

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7003622

https://x.com/esme_saysno/status/2022576732528955678

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2S41YOsZg

https://www.junonews.com/p/former-immigration-minister-sean

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nBvVqZt8fc