OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is scheduled to deliver a significant speech today in Toronto, focusing on Canada's evolving relationship with the United States. This address comes at a crucial time as Poilievre has faced substantial criticism for not adequately addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial trade war and the annexation threats during the previous spring’s election campaign.

Throughout his recent political engagements, including a notable speech to Conservative party members at their convention in Calgary, Poilievre has consistently emphasized his belief that Prime Minister Mark Carney must prioritize securing a beneficial agreement with the Trump administration. This agreement would ideally restore tariff-free trade between Canada and the U.S., despite President Trump’s firm stance against ending existing tariffs. This ongoing trade tension has been a significant concern, especially for businesses relying on cross-border trade.

Interestingly, during the Conservative convention in Calgary, Poilievre completely omitted any mention of Trump, which has led to further scrutiny regarding his handling of U.S.-Canada relations. Despite this, he received resounding support from party delegates, who voted overwhelmingly in favor of his continued leadership. This endorsement indicates that, despite external pressures and criticisms, he maintains a strong base of support within the party.

Today’s speech will take place at the Economic Club of Canada, where Poilievre is expected to outline his strategies and perspectives on trade and economic partnerships with the United States. The speech will likely address ongoing concerns from the business community about the implications of trade policies and the need for a collaborative approach to strengthen economic ties.

This report, published on February 26, 2026, highlights a pivotal moment for Poilievre as he navigates the complexities of international relations and domestic expectations within the Canadian political landscape.