Pierre Poilievre and Jamil Jivani: A Growing Divide Over US Trade Policy
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has publicly distanced himself from comments made by MP Jamil Jivani regarding Canadian reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and broader sovereignty concerns. Jivani’s recent trip to Washington D.C. and subsequent statements have sparked controversy within the Conservative party and raised questions about the party’s approach to the increasingly complex Canada-US relationship.
Jivani’s US Trip and Controversial Remarks
Jivani travelled to the United States earlier this month, meeting with Vice President JD Vance and other Trump administration officials. He framed the trip as an effort to “build bridges” between the two countries. However, upon his return, Jivani told the U.S. right-wing news outlet Breitbart that Canadians were engaging in an “anti-American hissy fit” over Trump’s policies and urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to collaborate with the White House to resolve the trade dispute. This statement has been widely criticized in Canada.
Poilievre’s Response: Distance and Divergence
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Poilievre stated that Jivani “speaks for himself” and that he, as party leader, represents the views of the Conservative party. He acknowledged that Canadians are “understandably upset” about the tariffs and Trump’s rhetoric, emphasizing the need to focus on protecting Canadian interests at home.
“My message (to him) is that Canadians are understandably upset about the tariffs and the comments that President Trump has made, and that we need to focus on what we can do here at home,” Poilievre said. “He speaks for himself, and I speak for the party.”
Impact on Central Ontario and Canadian Jobs
Jivani represents a riding in central Ontario that has been significantly affected by Trump’s auto tariffs. The region, including parts of Oshawa, is home to General Motors’ assembly plant, which recently experienced layoffs due to production shifts to the U.S. – a direct consequence of Trump’s policies. Poilievre stressed the importance of all MPs working to overturn the tariffs and safeguard Canadian jobs.
Internal Party Concerns and Questions of Sanction
Global News reported that some Conservative caucus members were concerned about Jivani’s “freelance” diplomacy with the Trump administration. It remains unclear whether Jivani’s trip was officially sanctioned by Poilievre’s office, which has not yet responded to inquiries regarding his U.S. travels. Jivani does not hold a shadow minister position related to foreign affairs or trade.
Jivani’s Optimism and Continued Engagement
Despite the criticism, Jivani expressed optimism about the potential for positive outcomes for Canadian workers and businesses. He claimed to have had “productive” meetings with U.S. officials and even stated that President Trump asked him to convey a message of affection to Canadians. However, this optimism was quickly overshadowed by Trump’s subsequent threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Provincial Reaction: Ford’s Perspective
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, while acknowledging Jivani’s initiative in reaching out to U.S. officials, disagreed with his characterization of Canadian reactions as a “hissy fit.” Ford emphasized the importance of maintaining communication with the American people. He also jokingly admitted he barely knew Jivani before hiring him as an advisor.
Looking Ahead: Navigating a Complex Relationship
The situation highlights the delicate balance Conservative leaders must strike when navigating the complex Canada-US trade relationship. Poilievre’s response underscores the need to prioritize Canadian interests while acknowledging the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the U.S. The long-term implications of Jivani’s actions and the evolving trade landscape remain to be seen.
