Canada Election Heats Up Amidst Trump Influence

Canada's four major federal party leaders clashed in a TV debate ahead of the general election, with US President Donald Trump a notable absence but influential presence. Liberal leader Mark Carney defended his record against attacks from opponents Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, who sought to capitalize on Carney's association with unpopular predecessor Justin Trudeau. The leaders discussed trade with the US, affordability, crime, and the environment, with Carney adopting a softer approach to Trump's tariffs. The debate highlighted stark policy differences between the parties and the challenges faced by smaller parties, including Singh's New Democrats, who are fighting for survival. Despite crosstalk, the tone remained cordial, with the leaders displaying Canadian civility.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US President Donald Trump in Washington, where they discussed a potential US-Europe trade deal. Trump said "there will be a trade deal, 100%" but it will be "fair". Meloni described herself as "sure" an agreement can be reached and aims to "make the West great again". The meeting came after Trump's imposition of 20% tariffs on EU imports, which Meloni had previously criticized as "absolutely wrong". Although no tangible progress was made on tariffs, Meloni convinced Trump to visit Rome and potentially meet EU leaders, boosting her credibility as a bridge between the US and EU.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and conservative challenger Pierre Poilievre participated in an electoral debate where Carney stated that President Donald Trump is Canada's greatest challenge and that the election is about who can succeed and face up to him. Carney implied that he is better equipped to handle tough negotiations with Trump, who has imposed steep tariffs and threatened to annex Canada as the 51st state, thereby rallying support for Carney and the Liberal Party. Poilievre's "Canada First" message was criticized for being too similar to Trump's "America First" agenda, and Carney's background in finance is seen as an asset in navigating the looming financial crisis.

Thousands of migrants, mostly Haitians, are fleeing to Canada, fearing deportation by President Trump, who vowed to remove migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua granted special status by Biden in 2022. At least 1,411 migrants attempted to cross the border in upstate New York in the first two weeks of April, with many trying to reach French-speaking Quebec. Canada has responded by saying "there are limits" and vowing to step up removals, with 1,130 asylum-seekers sent back to the US so far in 2025, the most in a decade.

Canada's federal election is underway, with front-runners Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre debating how to manage the country's relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump. Both leaders agree that the US is no longer a reliable partner and that Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods are unjustified. They support targeted retaliatory tariffs, reducing interprovincial trade barriers, and diversifying Canada's trade to reduce reliance on the US. Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, emphasizes his experience navigating global economic crises, while Poilievre blames the Liberal party for leaving Canada vulnerable to Trump's actions and promises to renegotiate the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The election has seen a surge in Canadian nationalism, with parties tapping into anger and feelings of betrayal stirred by Trump's policies. The next prime minister will face key decisions on whether to join Trump's trade war with China and how to speed up approval processes for energy projects and infrastructure to boost Canada's economic resilience.