Poilievre Defends Economic Platform Amidst Trade War Concerns

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has defended his platform's economic projections, emphasizing the importance of campaigning on a promise of economic growth. His party's plan, unveiled on Tuesday, includes $34 billion in new spending and $75 billion in tax cuts.

The proposed spending would be offset by $56 billion in reductions. The fiscal plan also anticipates $21 billion in additional tax revenue generated by Mr. Poilievre's policies. This includes revenue from new housing construction, the development of natural resource projects, and measures to combat tax evasion.

During a press event in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Mr. Poilievre was questioned about the prudence of his projections, particularly in light of warnings about a potential recession due to the ongoing trade war with the United States. He responded by highlighting the necessity of economic growth, especially after the current government's time in power. He argued that continuing with the same policies would be reckless.

The Bank of Canada and numerous economists have expressed concerns that the trade war will negatively impact the Canadian economy. The Conservative platform, similar to the current government's, anticipates $20 billion in revenue from retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Mr. Poilievre intends to use these funds for tax cuts and to provide loans to businesses affected by the tariffs.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney has criticized the Conservative platform, suggesting that its figures are unrealistic. He stated that if the current government accounted for the revenue generated by its own investments and tax cuts, their plan could have shown a balanced budget within five years. The current government's platform proposes nearly $130 billion in spending and tax cuts over four years, with projected deficits in the coming years.

Mr. Poilievre is not promising to balance the budget within the next four years. The Conservative platform projects a deficit of $14.1 billion by the 2028-29 fiscal year. When asked about balancing the budget, Mr. Poilievre referred to the current government's deficit.

The Conservative platform also includes a promise to grant police new powers to clear tent encampments. Mr. Poilievre clarified that the goal is not to incarcerate homeless individuals, but to address the underlying issues contributing to their situation, such as lack of addiction treatment and mental health support. He stated that the aim is to provide individuals with a path out of homelessness, including court-ordered drug treatment.

Mr. Poilievre concluded his day with an evening rally in Halifax and is scheduled to travel across Canada for the final days of the campaign.