Conservative leader Poilievre urges tariff-free auto trade during Detroit visit

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre visited Detroit and Windsor on Tuesday to press for the removal of tariffs on automobiles, emphasizing the historic 200-year trade relationship between Canada and the United States. After appearing on one outlet, he announced meetings with officials from a General Motors plant in Detroit, a Ford facility in Dearborn, and representatives of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Poilievre attributed declining auto output in both countries to the “ridiculous trade war,” arguing it only strengthens overseas competitors like China. He highlighted that the dispute has become a key topic in the U.S. midterm race, especially in Michigan, and noted that current U.S. tariffs on Canadian cars stand at 25 percent, with threats of a rise to 50 percent. While acknowledging past support for tariffs, he now urges a bilateral deal to lower prices and protect jobs. The visit comes amid broader political debates, including Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers’ call to end the tariffs and President Donald Trump’s threatened tariff increase.