Introduction
Despite not being a Canadian citizen, Donald Trump’s name was a major focus of the recent Liberal Party of Canada leadership debate. In an event that was supposed to focus on domestic policy and the future of Canadian politics, Trump’s presence in the country’s political discourse reflected his growing influence on global politics, including in neighboring countries like the US.
Several candidates in the debate used Trump’s name as a means to denounce the policies of their opponents, warn of the potential impact on Canada if he were to return to power, or even adjust their own political strategies based on the populist movement he has sparked.
How Did Trump Dominate the Debate?
🇨🇦 Concerns About the Future of US-Canada Relations
One of the main issues that came up in the debate was how the US-Canada relationship might develop if Trump wins re-election in 2024. During his presidency (2017-2021), Trump has been known to be confrontational toward Canada, including on trade issues such as NAFTA and tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
Several Liberal candidates expressed concerns that a second Trump administration could bring instability to the Canadian economy, particularly in areas such as trade, energy and defence.
💰 Economic Impact and Protectionism
Trump is known for his protectionist policies, which could potentially affect the Canadian economy. The Liberal candidates discussed the best strategies to deal with potential changes in US policy, including efforts to reduce Canada’s dependence on its main trading partner.
Most agreed that Canada needs to strengthen trade ties with other countries such as the European Union and Asia to prepare for the possibility of more aggressive protectionist policies from Trump.
🏛️ The Rise of Populism in Canada
Several candidates also discussed how Trump’s political style has fueled a right-wing populist movement in Canada. Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre has been compared to Trump for his political rhetoric that focuses on “anti-elitism” and “empowering the people.”
The Liberal candidates discussed whether the best strategy to deal with populism is to adopt a more assertive tactic, or to stick to traditional liberal values such as openness and multiculturalism.
What Does It Mean for Canadian Politics?
📊 Canada’s 2025 Election Could Be Influenced by the US
The debate showed that while Canada is an independent country, its politics are often influenced by the dynamics of US politics. If Trump is returned to power, it is possible that Canada’s campaign strategies will change as well.
The Conservatives will likely adopt more of Trump’s populist rhetoric to appeal to voters dissatisfied with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while the Liberals will try to position themselves as a counterweight to Trump’s controversial leadership style.
🌎 Canada Needs to Adjust Its Diplomatic Strategy
Many Liberal candidates emphasized that Canada needs to be more proactive in global diplomacy, particularly by strengthening cooperation with the European Union and Asia to avoid becoming overly dependent on the US.
Several also highlighted the importance of NATO and other defence alliances, given Trump’s previous threats to withdraw the US from NATO, which could have implications for Canada’s security.
Conclusion
The Canadian Liberal leadership debate reflected the extent to which Trump has influenced global politics, even in a country with a different system of government than Canada. From trade to security to populism, Trump remains a key factor in the debate over Canada’s future.
While the Canadian election is still far away, candidates are already being asked to prepare for the possibility that a Trump comeback could change the dynamics of the U.S.-Canada relationship in many ways. How Canada responds to this will go a long way in determining the country’s political and economic trajectory in the years to come.
